Selman’s Levels of perspective taking

Question 1

Support becomes more advanced with age.

Answer 1

Seaman tested 60 children using a scenario with Holly and the kitten. There were significant positive correlations between age and the ability to take different perspectives. Asked open questions- the stages are based on lots of detail increasing validity.
However, it ignores other aspects for example autistic people who don’t have empathy.

Question 2

Strength real life application

Answer 2

Knowledge gained from these stages has lead to a new style of therapy called pair therapy. The therapist acts as a guide and tries to guide a child’s emotions. This encourages children patients to perspective take helping them to be able to negotiate and compromise. Therefore helping children with learning difficulties to build their interpersonal skills to increase confidence and social cognition.

Question 3

Strength supporting study
Buijzen and Valkenburg.

Answer 3

Supported by observational study of child-parent interactions in toy shops and supermarkets. Buijzen and Valkenburg observed interactions including those in which parents refused to buy things their child wanted.
The reaserchers noted any coercive behaviour in the children (ie trying to force the parent to buy them things) which is an example of an unhealthy social behaviour. The study found negative correlations between coercive behaviour and both age and perspective-taking ability. As they get older they understand their parents more.

Question 4

Weakness focus on cognitive factors alone.

Answer 4

There is a focus on cognitive factors alone. Perspective taking is a cognitive ability but there is far more to childrens social development than their increasing cognitive abilities. By focussing on the cognitive element of development, Selmans approach fails to consider the full range of other factors that impact on a child’s development e.g empathy, feelings ect. Doesn’t account for other elements of cognitive development.

Question 5

Weakness
Gasser and Keller

Answer 5

Other lines of reaserch have not supported the links between perspective taking and social development.
Gasser and Keller assessed perspective taking in bullies, victims and non-participants. They found that bullies displayed no difficulties in perspective-taking. Empathy is also needed. Not a fully inclusive theory (reductionist).