Abstract
Imitation in nonprimates is reviewed along theoretical and experimental lines. Difficulties with definitions and classifications of imitative phenomena are noted. The history of the topic is considered in terms of three basic paradigms: (1) early comparative psychology, (2) S-R/reinforcement learning theory, and (3) classical ethology. The current status of work on bird vocalization (“vocal imitation” and “vocal mimicry”), “social facilitation,” and “observational learning” is evaluated. It is concluded that an inductive approach is needed in the study of imitative behavior, starting with the selection of reliably observed, naturally occurring imitative phenomena, followed by appropriate experimental analyses of the various determinants of each phenomenon.
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