Psychology Commons^™

Infant Imitation Of Peer And Adult Models: Evidence For A Peer Model Advantage, Bridget O. Ryalls, Robina E. Gul, Kenneth R. Ryalls

Psychology Faculty Publications

The imitation behavior of 30 infants, ages 14 to 18 months, were studied using both peer and adult models in an elicited imitation paradigm. Infants watched either a peer or an adult model perform four 3-step sequences (Le., put teddy to bed). Imitation was measured immediately after modeling and 1 week later. Results indicated significant memory for the sequences both immediately after modeling and 1 week later (compared with baseline performance). In addition, children in the peer model group outperformed children in the adult model group at both test times. The implications of these findings are discussed.