Information processing for imitation, where action copies perception

Imitation is usually intentional, but does not have to be

• Usually there is a goal or mindset to imitate certain range of movements. Copying perceived action requires that perceived limb motion sequences are transformed into action sequences of the equivalent limb. The resultant action sequence should be similar to the perceived action sequence
• "What you see is what you do" seems like a basic capability
• Some aspect of the perceived behaviour may be copied, while other aspects are not. There may be varying levels of precision in the copy, i.e. in the similarity between the original and the copy.
• Some imitation may not be intentional
• "Follow the leader" shows up in imprinting. The presumed mother hen is identified and followed. The background information in the relevant images seems to be ignored.
• In social settings, posture may be imitated

Copying perceived action requires that perceived limb motion sequences are transformed into action sequences of the equivalent limb. Imitation usually involves equivalent limbs so that there is a resultant similarity of action.

• We don't generally imitate leg motion with our arms. Limbs and other body components must therefore be identified and separated.
• There may be mirroring, especially if the leader is facing the imitator, such as in fitness classes. Mirroring results in mirror image movements, so that the imitator lifts the right leg when the leader lifts the left leg.

Imitation is a copy of behaviour, so not the same. But the copy can be compared to the original in a number of ways.

• Timing:
• Simultaneity: the imitated behaviour can happen at the same time as the behaviour being copied. An illustration might be following a fitness instruction leader through the motions.
• Rhythm: the imitated movements can follow the same rhythm, such as dancing to the same music.
• Direction relative to the body:
• Mirroring: there is bilateral symmetry, i.e. left goes to right and vice versa
• Level, direction, turn: the imitated movement for a given limb has the same angle relative to the body (hips, backbone, shoulders).
• Direction relative to the stage:
• Mirroring: the instructor and the imitator face in opposite directions
• Translation: the imitator is translated relative to the instructor (e.g. left, forward, higher).
• Rotation: the imitator is rotated by 90 degrees clockwise relative to the instructor
• Sequence and coordination:
• Sequence: the individual motions are carried out in the same order as the originals
• Sequence timing: the timing within motions and between motions is the same as for the original
• Coordination: the motions are temporally and positionally coordinated in the same way