Theory of Mind

Question 1

What is social cognition?

Answer 1

Human intelligence

Question 2

What is theory of mind?

Answer 2

The ability to understand and interpret one’s own and others’ mental states and intentions

Question 3

What does it mean that theory of mind is a theory?

Answer 3

-explains other’s behavior
-predicts what others would do

Question 4

What are the three functions of theory of mind?

Answer 4

Comprehend and Explain: see meaning in others’ behavior

Predict: predicting behavior makes life less complex=more flexible to life situations

Manipulate: influence others’ thoughts and behavior by controlling information available to them

Question 5

What is the difference between people on the autism spectrum and people not on the autism spectrum in relation to theory of mind?

Answer 5

People with autism don’t lie, don’t understand why people lie all the time, autistic people not as good with theory of mind

Question 6

What is Machiavellianism?

Answer 6

A Theory of mind developed to manipulate, deceive, and exploit others to achieve goals.

Question 7

What does it mean that theory of mind has a biological basis?

Answer 7

-Evolutionary brain functions, understanding and sensing others’ mental states and emotions

Question 8

What are the two types of theory of mind that have been discovered?

Answer 8

1. Cognitive: processing other people’s beliefs and intentions
2. Affective: processing other people’s emotions and feelings

Question 9

Do other species have theory of mind?

Answer 9

Yes (chimps, elephants, dolphins, crows)

Question 10

What is the false belief task?

Answer 10

EXAMPLE (child knows there’s pennies in candy box, would that child understand that an outsider would think there’s candy and not pennies)

Question 11

What is the reading the mind in the eyes task?

Answer 11

Measuring theory of mind through discerning the emotions of others by looking at their eyes. (autistic’s scored lower)