top of page

Learning through Observation and  Mirroring

The concept of "learning through observation and mirroring" refers to the process of acquiring new skills and knowledge by observing and imitating others. This type of learning is believed to be closely related to the functioning of the mirror neuron system in the brain, which is a network of neurons that are activated both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing the same action. The activation of the mirror neuron system is thought to allow individuals to understand and imitate the actions of others, and to experience empathy and other social emotions.

Research has shown that this type of learning is an important aspect of human development and is involved in a range of behaviors, from motor skills to language and social skills. In many cases, individuals can learn complex behaviors and skills more effectively through observation and imitation than through other forms of learning.

The concept of learning through observation and mirroring has implications for a range of fields, including education, rehabilitation, and mental health, as it suggests that individuals can improve their abilities and increase their understanding of the world by observing and imitating others.

References.

 

Cook R, Bird G, Catmur C, Press C, Heyes C. Mirror neurons: from origin to function. Behav Brain Sci. 2014 Apr;37(2):177-92. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X13000903. PMID: 24775147.

 

Heyes C, Catmur C. What Happened to Mirror Neurons? Perspect Psychol Sci. 2022 Jan;17(1):153-168. doi: 10.1177/1745691621990638. Epub 2021 Jul 9. PMID: 34241539; PMCID: PMC8785302.

 

Mizuguchi N, Kanosue K. Changes in brain activity during action observation and motor imagery: Their relationship with motor learning. Prog Brain Res. 2017;234:189-204. doi: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2017.08.008. Epub 2017 Sep 14. PMID: 29031463.

 

Rizzolatti G, Craighero L. The mirror-neuron system. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2004;27:169-92. doi: 10.1146/annurev.neuro.27.070203.144230. PMID: 15217330.

 

Roberts JW, Bennett SJ, Elliott D, Hayes SJ. Top-down and bottom-up processes during observation: implications for motor learning. Eur J Sport Sci. 2014;14 Suppl 1:S250-6. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2012.686063. Epub 2012 May 21. PMID: 24444215.

bottom of page