5.5.4 Accuracy requirements for information processing in imitation

The information processing model should account for the accuracy of the copy. The copy can be compared to the original in a number of ways.

• Limb selection:
• Copying perceived action requires that perceived limb motion sequences are transformed into action sequences of the equivalent limb.
• We don't generally imitate leg motion with our arms. Imitation usually involves equivalent limbs so that there is a resultant similarity of action. 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.
• Inclusiveness and completeness of the copy:
• 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.
• Relevance of the copied behaviour to the goal to be obtained:
• It has been observed that irrelevant behaviour may be copied along with relevant behaviour.
• Such irrelevant but repeated behaviour has also been called "superstitious" behaviour.
• Distance and speed estimation:
• It must be possible to estimate the approximate distance to the instructor or target
• Chicks can peck at kernels of grain, and go to the next one. They must therefore be able to judge the distance to know whether to pick it from here or whether to take a few steps.
• Reexamining our imprinting example, chicks can follow at a relatively constant distance from the target and from the preceding chick
• 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

Imitation is usually intentional, but does not have to be

• Usually there is a goal or mindset to imitate certain range of movements. A specific outcome of the copied action may be desired.
• 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 subconsciously