Abstract
Humans show an involuntary tendency to copy other people's actions. Although automatic imitation builds rapport and affiliation between individuals, we do not copy actions indiscriminately. Instead, copying behaviors are guided by a selection mechanism, which inhibits some actions and prioritizes others. To date, the neural underpinnings of the inhibition of automatic imitation and differences between the sexes in imitation control are not well understood. Previous studies involved small sample sizes and low statistical power, which produced mixed findings regarding the involvement of domain-general and domain-specific neural architectures. Here, we used data from Experiment 1 ( N = 28) to perform a power analysis to determine the sample size required for Experiment 2 ( N = 50; 80% power). Using independent functional localizers and an analysis pipeline that bolsters sensitivity, during imitation control we show clear engagement of the multiple-demand network (domain-general), but no sensitivity in the theory-of-mind network (domain-specific). Weaker effects were observed with regard to sex differences, suggesting that there are more similarities than differences between the sexes in terms of the neural systems engaged during imitation control. In summary, neurocognitive models of imitation require revision to reflect that the inhibition of imitation relies to a greater extent on a domain-general selection system rather than a domain-specific system that supports social cognition.
Highlights
IntroductionIn the last two decades, much research has investigated the involuntary tendency to copy other’s actions—a phenomenon known as automatic imitation (Heyes, 2011)
Human social interactions are guided by nonverbal cues, such as copying behaviors
Across two fMRI experiments, which had higher statistical power and functional sensitivity than prior studies, we investigated the extent to which imitation inhibition relies on a domain-specific or domain-general neural network, which varies its response as a function of sex
Summary
In the last two decades, much research has investigated the involuntary tendency to copy other’s actions—a phenomenon known as automatic imitation (Heyes, 2011). In many circumstances, imitation is maladaptive and requires inhibition (Cross & Iacoboni, 2014; Cross, Torrisi, Losin, & Iacoboni, 2013; van Schie, van Waterschoot, & Bekkering, 2008; NewmanNorlund, van Schie, van Zuijlen, & Bekkering, 2007). In such situations, a selection mechanism is required to suppress the tendency to imitate and prioritize alternative actions (Brass, Ruby, & Spengler, 2009). Studies investigating the neural mechanisms of imitation control
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