Observational learning/imitation-why is it important and what mechanisms are needed to make it work? (neuroscience)

Imitation is a complex form of social learning. Individuals benefit immensely from social learning. To learn a new task by copying (imitating) skilled performers is a clever way to avoid making unnecessary mistakes in order to search for the correct solutions. It reduces the amount of time spend on learning how to solve a particular task or situation. It also speeds up the process of learning of motor skills and "environmental affordances" in the world. …

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