What characteristic does formal similarity between imitated behaviors refer to?

Formal similarity between imitated behaviors refers to matching forms or features. This means that for imitation to occur, there needs to be a resemblance in the physical form or characteristics of the behavior being imitated. For example, if one person claps their hands, and another person also claps their hands in the same manner, there is a clear formal similarity because the actions look the same.

This concept is crucial in understanding how imitation functions in learning and development, especially in a special education context where promoting imitative skills can help individuals develop necessary social and communicative behaviors. Other aspects, such as matching consequences, similar environmental contexts, or intentions may be relevant in different contexts but do not specifically define formal similarity. They involve other dimensions of behavior analysis rather than the physical resemblance of the actions themselves.