Copying is social phenomenon, not just learning, say scientists

"Mimicking the behaviour of mum and dad has long been considered a vital way in which children learn about the world around them. Now psychologists at The University of Nottingham have shown that copying unnecessary behaviour is more likely to be a social phenomenon than part of the practical process of acquiring new skills...."
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-04-social-phenomenon-scientists.html