Cognitive mechanisms of being imitated

Abstract

Being mimicked (BeMim) arises when one person copies the actions or choices of another person, and several studies link BeMim to liking and affiliation. BeMim effects might occur for matching of motor actions but have also been reported for the imitation of preferences and values. In this chapter, we discuss various approaches to studying BeMim, from live interactions to controlled methods in the lab and from virtual reality to observation studies. We suggest that the fundamental cognitive mechanisms that support BeMim effects are still unknown and it is not yet clear if various BeMim paradigms tap the same cognitive mechanisms. Three possible neurocognitive models of BeMim are considered: a specialised BeMim model; a universal model which is domain-general based on cognitive predictability and a social learning model. The latter seems to be the most promising based on the current evidence. We highlight the non-monotonic character of the BeMim effects – there may be a ‘sweet spot’ where BeMim has positive consequences but too much or too little mimicry can mean that the mimicker’s action is judged negatively rather than positively. People also dislike mimickers if they have an awareness of being mimicked by them. Finally, we discuss the gaps in the BeMim literature that must be addressed to move the BeMim field forward.