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Content archived on 2024-05-29

Evolution, development and intentional control of imitation

Objective

The human capacity for imitation provides the foundation for language acquisition, skill learning, socialisation, and enculturation. The dominant North American model claims that imitation is innate. The EDICI project replaces this conception with a model incorporating evolutionary, developmental and cultural inputs to imitation. In the case of imitation, being human means sharing core neurocognitive mechanisms with other species, and, as a result of culture-dependent interactions during development, being unique in ones ability to harness these mechanisms for the pursuit of individual and social goals. To test a multi-level model of this kind, interdisciplinary work is essential. The consortium represents internationally leading expertise in ethology, evolu tionary biology and neurophysiology, comparative, developmental and cognitive psychology. Methods and insights from these fields will be applied in studies of children, healthy adults and neurological patients, and of animals that are closely related to hu mans phylogenetically (marmosets), ecologically (social birds) and culturally (dogs). Europe is the home of evolutionary theory, ethology and genetic epistemology, and was the site of the earliest scientific research on imitation. Our project builds on the se historical strengths by testing a distinctively European model of imitation, using world-class European facilities and expertise. We expect major breakthroughs in understanding the evolutionary, developmental, cognitive and neurological bases of imitati on, and that our integrative approach will have a broader impact on model-building in evolutionary psychology and cognitive neuroscience. In contrast with the North American conception, our model emphasises the role of experience in the development of imit ation. Therefore, our work will contribute to the design of social and technological skills training programmes, and to interventions for children and adults with impairments in imitative abil

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP6-2003-NEST-PATH
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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project

Coordinator

UNIVERSITAET WIEN
EU contribution
No data
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Participants (3)

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