Based on the information in the article, make a logical inference about why yawns are contagious. In 3–5 sentences, provide specific evidence from the text to support your inference and explain why your reasoning is logical and valid.

(4 points)

1 answer

Yawns are likely contagious due to their connection to social bonding and empathy among individuals. This inference is supported by evidence indicating that yawning can trigger a similar response in others, particularly in groups, enhancing social cohesion. For instance, studies show that people are more likely to yawn after seeing someone else yawn, which suggests that mirroring this behavior may strengthen social ties. Additionally, the phenomenon is often observed among close friends or family members, further supporting the idea that the contagious nature of yawning fosters a sense of connection and community. This reasoning is logical and valid because it links a physiological response to a psychological and social context, illustrating how human behaviors can influence one another within social groups.