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
describe one control condition (group2)
-students at Cambridge assumed high IQ
- normal adults from general population of Exter/CBG
- IQ matched group = known IQ matched to autistic group
OG Eyes test had 3 problems how were they resolved
- 36 pairs of eyes use
- 4 response options to choose from (3 w similar valence emotion)
- glossary provided = better comprhension
Real world application on eyes test
- eyes test can be used to diagnose autism alongside DSM/ICD criteria= indicates lack of TOM so person can seek support to improve direction of emotions
- eyes test can be used to help autistic adults teaching them how to read emotions in eyes by using test w/ helper
2 characteristics of sample in group 3
- 20.8 years
- STUDENTS undergad at cambridge
- assumed to have high IQ
- NON AS/HFA
Aim
- to test ppl on revised eyes test to see if some original deficits were no longer seen
- to see if females would score higher on eyes test compared to males
- to see if people with AS/HFA lack TOM + perfrom less well eyes test
Describe results for AQ test for 2 groups of ppt
- AS/HFA group scored highest compared to students/IQ matched controls
Describe how target words + foils were devloped for revised eyes test
- piloted on 8 judges
- at least 5/8 judges had to agree target word was MOST suitable
- items that failed had new target words/foils created
- no more than 2/8 judges had to pick the foil
2 characteritics of sample in Group 1
- 15 diagnosed w/ AS/HFA
- ALL male
- same educational levels as G2
- volunteer
- ads in National autistic society magzine
Conclsuions
- Revised eyes test overcame problems of OG version os valid test of social intelligence in adults
- Ppl w/ autism have difficulties w/ TOM as they cannot see perspective of other ppl
Describe how ppt recruited for G2 + G3
ALL -volunteer sampling/opportunity
G2:
- from classes in Exeter
- from public libraries Cambridge
G3:
- Undergrad students Cambridge
- all students had performed well in A level
1 methodlogical strength of study
- revised eyes test follows standardized procedure + all ppt had same 36 pairs of eyes to judge so direct comparisons could be made across groups
Ethical weakness of study
- ppt especially AS/HFA may feel psychological distress + may not understand emotions in eyes which could be stressful
Name the test being revised
Reading the mind in the eyes test
3 features of sample used for G4
- random sample
- general population
- not diagnosed w/ AS/HFA
- IQ matched w/ group 1
Explain why this test may innacuratlye meausre attribution of mental state
- pics were static + when attributing mental states we see facial expression but also body language/tone to gauge mental states IRL
