Theory Of Mind

Question 1

Whats ToM?

Answer 1

Supposition that others have mental states that drive their actions

Question 2

What’s intention understanding?

Answer 2

By 6 months - understand that others behaviour is goal directed
By 11 months - can predict the goal of a hand (not claw)
12 months - differentiate between an unwilling and unable action
12-14 months - understand connection between positive desires and actions
18 months - more solid understanding of others desires
2 years - understand desire - actions
3 years - some understanding of beliefs

Question 3

Whats a true ToM test?

Answer 3

Understanding that someone can have a false belief

Question 4

Example of false belief test?

Answer 4

False location - sally-Anne

She has a marble, put ion basket. Someone moves it to box whilst she’s away. Where will she look

Question 5

Who passes sally anne test?

Answer 5

4 years+

Question 6

Cultural differences?

Answer 6

Varying rates of development

Question 7

Problems with false beliefs test?

Answer 7

Doesn’t detect degrees of performance
Younger children might just make more errors
Need conceptual understanding to solve task

Question 8

Factors that influence ToM development?

Answer 8

Siblings:
3 year olds with siblings more likely to pass
Only older though

Adults:
Tended to give psychological explanations of their child’s success

Autism

Question 9

Importance of ToM?

Answer 9

ToM competence can affect social functioning