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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2016
Imitation as a mechanism of cultural transmission
Chris Marriott1, James Parker, Jörg Denzinger
1Department of Computer Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. marriot@cpsc.ucalgary.ca
Abstract:
We study the effects of an imitation mechanism on a population of animats capable of individual ontogenetic learning. An urge to imitate others augments a network-based reinforcement learning strategy used in the control system of the animats. We test populations of animats with imitation against populations without for their ability to find, and maintain over generations, successful foraging behavior in an environment containing three necessary resources: food, water, and shelter. We conclude that even simple imitation mechanisms are effective at increasing the frequency of success when measured over time and over populations of animats.
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