Associative learning measured with ERP predicts deferred imitation using a strict observation only design in 14 to 15 month old children

摘要

Deferred imitation is an established procedure for behavioural measurement of early declarative-like memories in infancy and previous work has indicated a link between this type of memory and brain potentials in infants. The present study compared infants’ memory performance in this paradigm with electrophysiological indices of associative learning. Thirty children (mean age: 14.5 months) participated, of which 15 (9 boys) had acceptable ERP recordings that could be included in the final analysis. Deferred imitation was measured with an observation-only procedure using three actions and a 30 min delay. ERP was recorded with a High Density Net (128 electrodes) during associative learning. Change scores based on Nc, a middle latency component associated with attentional processes, predicted deferred imitation performance. Thus, associative learning measured with ERP predicts deferred imitation using a strict observation only design in 14 to15 month old children.