The two functions of imitation in the second year of life: A longitudinal study

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.