Levels of Imitation: Movements, Outcomes, and Goals

Abstract This chapter discusses the differences between imitation based on movements and imitation based on outcomes or goals, respectively. The difference between outcome imitation and goal imitation is also briefly addressed. Experimental paradigms are introduced that help to disentangle the different levels of imitation. Conditions under which movement imitation or outcome/goal imitation dominate are highlighted, such as the imitator’s age, the salience of an outcome/goal, situational constraints in the model’s behavior, social group membership, and temporal or spatial distance from a model who is demonstrating an action. The chapter concludes with ideas for future research.