Theory of Mind

Question 1

What is the Theory of Mind?

Answer 1

Through our interactions with others, we consciously and unconsciously keep track of what others want, feel or believe.
Fundamental skill that helps us to get along with others.

Question 2

Name three examples of the experience of ToM

Answer 2

(Any three)
- Communication
- Gesture
- Joint attention
- Cooperative play
- Pretend play
- Deception
- Sarcasm
- Moral reasoning
- Role taking

Question 3

What do other developments go alongside the development of ToM?

Answer 3

Biological Development:
Brain systems develop alongside ToM, especially the Amygdala (responsible for emotions and memories) and the temporal parietal cortex (responsible for internal and external information which help us to identify the difference between self and others)
Cognitive Development: Integration of various cognitive skills
Social Development: The more social interactions we have, the more mental states and relationships we have.

Question 4

What are the important timepoints of the development of ToM?

Answer 4

3 months: Basic joint attention. However, it is not 100% and cannot do it the other way around. Infants cannot point at one point and have others focusing on that point instead.

12 months: The ability to understand others’ emotion. For example, the infant knows the family member is upset and tries to cheer him up with his favourite toy. Although he understands the emotion, he does not understand the toy will not cheer the member.

3-5 years old: The period where ToM should develop.

5 years old: Most children will have developed the understanding of false belief.

6 years old: Second order ToM is developed

Question 5

What are the social factors that lead to the development of ToM?

Answer 5

Cultural context: For example, if the cultural context that the infant is in does not emphasise on expressing emotions, the child will tend to have less chance to interpret others’ mental state.
Family Relationships: Since each family member has their own needs and roles, this is like the first social group for the infant. This social group gives various mental state models for the infant to learn from and predict.
Sibling constellations: Siblings around the same age group spend most social time with the infant, which they play, fight, argue etc. The richer the social experience is, the faster ToM is developed.

Question 6

What are the two tests that are used to measure the ToM?

Answer 6

False belief task and M&M task