Baron Cohen Flashcards
One methodological problem that could arise if child ppt were used in study
- children may not understand words = cannot correctly choose and identify words for emotions even with a glossary (no help)
- reduced reliability of results/invalidity as children may guess as they understand the emotion but cannot choose the correct word to describe
One useful application of findings if child ppts were used
- eyes test could detect autism in early children = enable early treatment to help parents = NOT DIAGNOSTIC TOOL alongside DSM
Describe two assumptions of cog approach
- behavior,emotions can be explained in terms of the role of thinking processes like attention,e memory and language
- similarities and differences between ppl can be understood via cognitions = the way we process info/the way we store info
Describe how results of study can help understanding/treating autism
- the AS/HFA scored signifanctly lower on ‘eyes test’ compared to other groups = group may lack TOM which can form part of AS/HFA
- AS/HFA group scored significantly higher on AQ compared to other groups = ppl given AQ test may help diagnose ppl w AS/HFA
- useful to understand how ppl w autism perceived
- identifies difficulties in recognizing/understanding emotions
One real world application based on results/conclusions by BC
- As/HFA group scored signifcantly lower on eyes test = lack TOM = educators help students by giving extra support to improve TOM skills
Describe what is meant by “Theroy of mind”
- ability to attribute mental states to ourselves and others e.g desires,emotions etc
- about how we use this knowledge to explain actions of others/understand others + predict actions of others
- empathy
Outline how one results from thsi study supports concept of TOM
- AS/HFA group had lowest mean score of any of groups = most difficulty assigning emotions/mental state to another person as predicted by TOM
Identify sampling technique used to recruit AS/HFA group
- Volunteer
Describe how AS/HFA sample was recruited
- via ads in national autistic society magazine OR support group
- all have to be diagnosed in specialist centers
Outline one strength of sampling technique used to recruit AS/HFA group
- volunteers tend to be more motivated = less likely to drop out of study so AS/HFA ppt more likely to complete eyes test
- more likely to find larger sample as AS/HFA is difficult group to find so ads improved chances of this
- they volunteered so already give informed consent to participate
Describe the theory that Baron-Cohen et al. were testing with their ‘Reading the Mind in the Eyes’ Test.
- TOM = ability to attribute mental states to ourselves + others e.g desires, emotions
- the person can put themselves in position of others and how we use this knowledge to explain/predict action of others
- ppl have diff ideas/emotions to us
Identify one problem with the original ‘Reading the Mind in the Eyes’ Test,
- forced choice of 2 items
- basic and complex mental states
- more female pairs of eyes than male/gynocentric
- target and foil were semantic opposites
- narrow range of total scores./ ceiling effect
Explain how one finding from BC eyes test supports one assumption of cognitive approach
- AS/HFA scored much lower on eyes test compare t to control = difference between groups explained by cognitions/thinking processes like TOM
- AS/HFA scored much lower on eyes test compared to control = difference between ppl can be explained via cognitions
Describe 2 ways study was valid
- impt controls between 2 conditions e.g glossary to ensure comphremenhsion
- 2 control groups =1 matched for IQ so intelligence wouldn’t effect reuslts in relation to comparing
- standerdized procedure = all judged 36 q’s + practice question AND static, b+w, 4 options to choose from 3 mental states = easier comparison across 3 groups
Describe one way study was NOT valid
- eyes test may NOT measure TOM = may j be test of measuring pics to words
- in reality, emotions judged more than only eyes e.g posture/tone
- eyes not static, ppls eyes move so emotions easier to judge
