9. Perspective Taking/Theory of the Mind

Question 1

An important social cognitive ability that develops throughout childhood and adolescence is ____ ____, the ability to understand other people’s viewpoints or perspectives.

Answer 1

Perspective taking

Question 2

A prerequisite to perspective taking is the development of a ____ __ ____ – an implicit set of ideas about the existence of mental states, such as beliefs and feelings, in oneself and others.

Answer 2

Theory of mind

Question 2

It appears to arise somewhere in the ____ ____, between ages two and four.

Answer 2

toddler years

Question 3

Before that time, children have trouble understanding that people can hold false beliefs, because they have trouble recognising that ____ ___ ____ can differ.

Answer 3

thought and reality

Question 4

Precursors to a theory of mind can be seen in ____.

Answer 4

Infancy

Question 6

Theory of mind and perspective taking also develop considerably beyond the ____ years.

Answer 6

preschool