To be considered imitation, a model and the behavior it evokes must have

• A. Stimulus equivalence
• B. Formal similarity
• C. Generalization
• D. Reinforcement contingency

Answer: (B)

Imitation is defined by formal similarity: the learner’s response must have the same topography as the model’s behavior. In other words, the model and the evoked behavior share the same form, so the learner copies the exact movements or shape of the action rather than producing a different action that merely serves a similar function or happens to occur in the same situation.

This focus on topographic match distinguishes imitation from other phenomena. Stimulus equivalence involves derived relations among different stimuli, not copying the model’s physical form. Generalization refers to spreading a response to new but similar stimuli or contexts, not reproducing the same form as the model. Reinforcement contingency can strengthen responses, including imitative ones, but it isn’t what defines imitation—the defining feature is the exact topography being copied.