Which of the following statements is true regarding mirror neurons?

Mirror neurons are a particular type of brain cell that respond both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by someone else. This characteristic plays a significant role in promoting understanding and imitation, which are crucial components of social learning. By firing when an action is observed, mirror neurons enable individuals, particularly infants and toddlers, to learn behaviors, understand intentions, and develop empathy.

This observation-and-response mechanism helps children learn through imitation, which is vital for their cognitive and social development. For instance, when a child sees someone smiling, the mirror neurons are activated, reinforcing the behavior and encouraging the child to replicate it. Consequently, this process supports not only the acquisition of skills but also the development of social connections. Thus, the true nature of mirror neurons being responsive both to action performance and observation makes option C the correct statement.