SC - Factors that shape TOM Flashcards
Who did an experiment on the effect of culture?
Valances, Sheppard and Mitchell
What did Mitchell et al do?
British vs Mediterranean adult subjects and their ability to infer what others were thinking after observing a brief sample of their behaviour.
What was found in Mitchell et al?
In general, participants were good predictors. Mediterranean participants were better than the British ones - this difference was entirely accounted by their level of collectivism
What is the difference between individualism and collectivism?
Collectivist - stresses conformity, reliability and the importance of the collective.
Individualist - stresses the importance of individuality and uniqueness
How can family size have an effect on theory of mind?
Having siblings might lead to the exposure to other points of view and other minds
What did Leekam et al do in relation to family?
3 year olds with siblings are more likely to pass false belief tests than peers without siblings. Those with several siblings are more likely than those with 1-2.
What did Jenkins and Astington find in relation to family?
Having siblings has a beneficial effect only for those with older siblings. Children with only younger siblings were no better in false belief than those with none at all.
What did Lewis confirm about family?
Having siblings conferred advantage in acknowledging false belief, greater advantage in those with older than younger
What was another factor in families that contributed to theory of mind?
Larger families tended to be extended rather than nuclear. There were many opportunities for adults to interact with the children. The number of available adults was the best predictor of whether or not a child would succeed in acknowledging false belied.
How did children who passed a false belief test mother’s act?
Parents had given explanations of behaviour with reference to psychological states. Verbal explanations of psychological states of mind, reasons for actions and feelings can promote theory of mind abilities in toddlers.
How did children who failed the false belief test mothers act?
Parents who had seldom referred to psychological states.
What type of child may be more challenging to offer explanations about peoples behaviours?
Those with a fractious temperament e.g autistic children
