selman

Question 1

Perspective-taking/role-taking

Answer 1

Our ability to see a social situation from the point of view of other people. This underlies much of our social interaction.

Question 2

Stage 0
Socially egocentric

Answer 2

Cannot distinguish between own emotions and those of others. (3–6 years)

Question 3

Stage 1
Social information role-taking

Answer 3

Can now tell the difference between their own point of view and that of others, but usually focus on only one of these perspectives. (6–8 years)

Question 4

Stage 2
Self-reflective role-taking

Answer 4

Can put themselves in the position of another person and appreciate their perspective. But can only take on board one point of view at a time. (8–10 years)

Question 5

Stage 3
Mutual role-taking

Answer 5

Now able to look at a situation from their own and another’s point of view at the same time. (10–12 years

Question 6

Stage 4 Social and conventional system role-taking

Answer 6

Able to see that sometimes understanding others’ viewpoints is not enough to allow people to reach agreement. This is why social conventions are needed to keep order. (12+ years)

Question 7

Buijzen and Valkenburg (2008)

Answer 7

Negative correlation between age and perspective-taking and coercive behaviour.

Question 8

Gasser and Keller (2009)

Answer 8

Bullies displayed no difficulties in perspective-taking.

Question 9

Wu and Keysar (2007)

Answer 9

Chinese participants did better than matched Americans.