Universität zu Köln

Genschow, Oliver ORCID: 0000-0001-6322-4392, Cracco, Emiel ORCID: 0000-0003-4043-5992, Verbeke, Pieter ORCID: 0000-0003-2919-1528, Westfal, Mareike and Crusius, Jan ORCID: 0000-0002-9403-6084 (2021). A direct test of the similarity assumption-Focusing on differences as compared with similarities decreases automatic imitation. Cognition, 215. AMSTERDAM: ELSEVIER. ISSN 1873-7838

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Abstract

Individuals automatically imitate a wide range of different behaviors. Previous research suggests that imitation as a social process depends on the similarity between interaction partners. However, some of the experiments supporting this notion could not be replicated and all of the supporting experiments manipulated not only similarity between actor and observer, but also other features. Thus, the existing evidence leaves open whether similarity as such moderates automatic imitation. To directly test the similarity account, in four experiments, we manipulated participants' focus on similarities or differences while holding the stimulus material constant. In Experiment 1, we presented participants with a hand and let them either focus on similarities, differences, or neutral aspects between their own hand and the other person's hand. The results indicate that focusing on similarities increased perceived similarity between the own and the other person's hand. In Experiments 2 to 4, we tested the hypothesis that focusing on similarities, as compared with differences, increases automatic imitation. Experiment 2 tested the basic effect and found support for our prediction. Experiment 3 and 4 replicated this finding with higher-powered samples. Exploratory investigations further suggest that it is a focus on differences that decreases automatic imitation, and not a focus on similarities that increases automatic imitation. Theoretical implications and future directions are discussed.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Genschow, Oliver UNSPECIFIED orcid.org/0000-0001-6322-4392 UNSPECIFIED Cracco, Emiel UNSPECIFIED orcid.org/0000-0003-4043-5992 UNSPECIFIED Verbeke, Pieter UNSPECIFIED orcid.org/0000-0003-2919-1528 UNSPECIFIED Westfal, Mareike UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Crusius, Jan UNSPECIFIED orcid.org/0000-0002-9403-6084 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-570917
DOI:	10.1016/j.cognition.2021.104824
Journal or Publication Title:	Cognition
Volume:	215
Date:	2021
Publisher:	ELSEVIER
Place of Publication:	AMSTERDAM
ISSN:	1873-7838
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Human Sciences Faculty of Management, Economy and Social Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Human Sciences > Department Psychologie Center of Excellence C-SEB
Subjects:	Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language A-PRIORI LIKING; PERSPECTIVE-TAKING; TOP-DOWN; MIRROR NEURONS; BOTTOM-UP; MOTOR; MOVEMENT; MIMICRY; HAND; INTERFERENCE Multiple languages Psychology, Experimental Multiple languages
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/57091