Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
Written by WTJ on August 16, 2009 – 10:49 am -
“That guy is nose-picking like I do with my middle finger… Oh man… He’s so SEXY!”
Scientists from National Institutes of Health and two other Italian research institutions studied how imitation promotes social relationship. Scientists used capuchin monkeys, a highly social species, as a study subject. It is found that imitation helps stranger to engage a new group of friends better. Studies showed that researchers who imitated the monkeys are more acceptable by the capuchin monkeys. The monkeys spent more time with the imitators than non-imitators and it is easier to get the monkeys to engage in simple task by the imitators.
Imitation is also an unconscious behaviour among human beings. Human beings are normally unaware of such behaviour, and those who were unaware being imitated are likely to feel affection and empathy. Imitation may be a ticket to promote your social life, but please don’t over-do it.
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Tags: behavioral science, Behaviour, capuchin monkey, flattery, monkey, National Institutes of Health, relationship, social bonding, social psychology | No Comments »
