Open Peer Commentary Byrne & Russon: Learning by imitation
If it is inevitable, it need not be imitated
Patricia J. Bauer a1 a1 Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0345
pbauer@maroon.tc.umn.edu
Abstract
Byrne & Russon provide illustrative examples of imitative
abilities in nonhuman primates. The convincing aspects of the examples
are not, however, their hierarchical or structured nature: Such
organization may be inevitable and hence, does not require
explanation via imitation. Rather, examples of imitation are
derived from reproduction of behaviors and sequences that,
from the organism's perspective, are arbitrary.
