The Effects of Age and Developmental Level on Imitation in Children

Abstract

Forrs, GREGoRY, and LIIKANEN, PIRKKO. The Effects of Age and Developmental Level on Imitation in Children. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1975, 46, 555-558. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of age and developmental level on the use of imitation in children between the ages of 5 and 8 years. It was expected that these factors would interact in influencing imitation in young children and that young children at a higher developmental level would imitate more than their less mature agemates, whereas older children with a higher developmental level would imitate less than their agemates. 40 children were selected on the basis of their age and developmental level. The latter was assessed by examining the schemata employed while Ss were playing with different sets of toys. Each S was then presented a modeling stimulus on television and later given an opportunity to play with the materials seen on television. The predicted interaction was obtained and is discussed within the context of developmental theory.