Use this excerpt from the "Why are yawns contagious? We asked a scientist" article to answer the question. Based on the information in the article, make a logical inference about why yawns are contagious. In 5 sentences, provide specific evidence from the text to support your inference and explain why your reasoning is logical and valid.

1 answer

Based on the article, one logical inference about why yawns are contagious is that they may serve a social bonding function among individuals. The article mentions that yawning is often triggered by seeing someone else yawn, suggesting a level of empathetic connection or mirroring behavior. Furthermore, the text highlights that yawning can occur in response to social cues, which implies that it is not purely a physiological reaction but also involves social awareness. The article also discusses that some studies indicate higher rates of contagious yawning among individuals with close relationships, reinforcing the idea that yawning may foster social cohesion. Thus, the reasoning is logical because it connects the phenomenon of yawning with established theories in social behavior, indicating that shared experiences might enhance group dynamics and empathy among individuals.