Wonder #2883: Are Yawns Contagious?

Question 1 of 3

How likely is it for someone to yawn after seeing someone else yawn?

1. five times more likely
2. six times more likely
3. 139 times more likely
4. 10 times more likely

Question 2 of 3

What do mirror neurons do?

1. they help the brain notice useful behaviors and then mimic them
2. they can act like any other cell in the body
3. they function in the completely opposite way of other cells in the brain
4. when one mirror neuron does something new all the other neurons mimic it

Question 3 of 3

Which of the following do experts NOT think is a possible trigger for yawning?

1. social mirroring caused by mirror neurons
2. being in the same environment
3. social bonds between individuals
4. a bacterial infection of the sinuses

Check your answers online at https://www.wonderopolis.org/index.php/wonder/Are-Yawns-Contagious.