Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Imitation behavior refers to the act of copying or mimicking the actions, behaviors, or attitudes of others. It is when an individual observes and replicates the behavior they see in their peers.
Modeling is when individuals learn through observing and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, or actions of others.
Vicarious Reinforcement: Vicarious reinforcement occurs when individuals are motivated to imitate a behavior after observing someone else being rewarded for that behavior.
Mirror neurons are brain cells that activate both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing the same action, playing a role in imitation behaviors.