Franziska Sieber, Jan Czarnomski, Axel Schölmerich, Moritz M Daum, Norbert Zmyj
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Infant imitation serves a cognitive and a social function. As part of their temperament, infants' attention and social orientation mirror these two functions. This longitudinal study investigated the development of the two functions within the second year of life in German infants (N = 136, 74 female), using standardized tests at the ages of 12, 18, and 24 months, conducted in 2018 and 2019. We measured temperament using two established parental questionnaires (Infant Behavior Questionnaire Revised, Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire) and behavioral observation (Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery), imitation using the Frankfurt Imitation Test, and cognitive development using the Cognitive Scale of the Bayley Scales. Hierarchical regressions revealed an association between imitation and social orientation from 12 months onward, whereas no clear relation emerged between imitation and attentional variables independently of infants' cognitive development. The findings suggest that imitation serves a primarily social function early in life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
期刊介绍:
Developmental Psychology ® publishes articles that significantly advance knowledge and theory about development across the life span. The journal focuses on seminal empirical contributions. The journal occasionally publishes exceptionally strong scholarly reviews and theoretical or methodological articles. Studies of any aspect of psychological development are appropriate, as are studies of the biological, social, and cultural factors that affect development. The journal welcomes not only laboratory-based experimental studies but studies employing other rigorous methodologies, such as ethnographies, field research, and secondary analyses of large data sets. We especially seek submissions in new areas of inquiry and submissions that will address contradictory findings or controversies in the field as well as the generalizability of extant findings in new populations. Although most articles in this journal address human development, studies of other species are appropriate if they have important implications for human development. Submissions can consist of single manuscripts, proposed sections, or short reports.