ERIC Number: ED143972
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1977
Pages: 12
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Effects on Adults of Being Imitated by Children: A Review and Methodological Critique.
Roberts, Michael C.
Only recently have imitation researchers turned their attention to the effects on the model of being imitated by observers. This report outlines and reviews the findings of research in the developing paradigms. Four paradigms into the effects of being imitated are examined briefly: (1) operant strengthening paradigm; (2) classical conditioning paradigm; (3) clinical applications of imitation effects; (4) concomitant effects paradigm. Few of the studies in these paradigms have focused on the effects on adult models of being imitated by children and subsequent effects on the adults' behaviors toward the children. The experiments assessing the effects of child imitation on adult models are described. It has generally been found that adult models are attracted to or more positive toward children who were imitators as compared to children who were nonimitators. A methodological and conceptual discussion of the studies follows (viz., between-groups vs. within-subjects manipulations; social comparison processes). Areas of needed research are suggested. The being imitated effects research is placed into the perspective of child effects research. A child's imitation or nonimitation affects adults, whose behaviors subsequently affect the child and his/her development. (Author)
Publication Type: Reference Materials - Bibliographies
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association (Chicago, Illinois, May 5-7, 1977)