Cognition- ToM Flashcards
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Valid methodology??
A limitation is that supporting research for ToM relies on tasks that aren’t methodologically valid. The Sally Anne task for example requires other cognitive abilities like memory which will be hard for 3 year olds. Some studies show that younger ASD children given visual aids with memory can succeed. The Eyes task is also questionable as the experience of looking at a static pair of eyes in isolation isn’t applicable to real life since people normally have verbal cues etc
This suggests that since current data doesn’t provide the necessary support required for a scientific theory and so the theory cannot be regarded as valid.
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Is ToM different from Perspective-Taking
A limitation is that ToM often indistinguishable from perspective taking.
Children take Sally’s perspective of the situation –they know that she has not seen anything when she was out of the room.
Not assessing that the children understand how Sally is feeling or thinking.
Therefore, this further challenges validity of ToM as they’re not actually measuring ToM but perspective taking instead
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ASD CHARACTERISTICS
A limitation of ToM is that ToM deficits can’t explain all the characteristics of ASD.
ASD also has many other characteristics including cognitive strengths such as superior visual attention and highly systematic reasoning and some people with ASD can successfully complete false-belief tasks.
ASD can not be the direct result of ToM deficits as suggested by Baron-Cohen as it can not explain all characteristics of it.
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unlcear how ToM develops
A limitation is that its unclear how ToM develops.
Perner et al. (2002) adopt a Piagetian approach- ToM develops in line with all cognitive abilities, i.e. it is based on an innate ability that matures with age and experience.
Janet Wilde Astington (1998) takes a more Vygotskian line and suggests we internalise our ToM during early interaction with others. This is a problem for explaining ASD as it can’t give a causal explanation for autism. It however might be more valuable to understand where the original difficulties come from because that may also suggest useful treatments for social difficulties linked to ASD.
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useful
A strength is that research findings from studying ToM in those with ASD and those who are ‘neurotypical’ can be useful.
ToM tells us about the communication difficulties children with ASD have and can also offer some ideas about how to help them overcome these difficulties (e.g. by practising tasks which encourage a ToM).
