Theory of mind

Question 1

What is theory of mind (ToM) ?

Answer 1

The ability to attribute mental states to ourselves and others, serving as foundational elements for social interactions

Question 2

Why is ToM important?

Answer 2

Provides ability to predict and interpret behaviour of others

Question 3

How is ToM tested?

Answer 3

False belief tasks

Question 4

What conditions can be linked to a deficit in ToM?

Answer 4

Asperger’s, Schizophrenia, Depression, and Autism

Question 5

What are examples of ToM?

Answer 5

PT
Understanding false beliefs
Empathy
Deception
Understanding others’ ignorance
Predicting behaviour

Question 6

How does ToM develop?

Answer 6

Paying attention to other people
Intentionality
Imitation

Question 7

What was the Sally Anne task?

Answer 7

False belief task
Experimenter enacts scenario with dolls, Sally places marble in basket, Anne then enters and moves marble to closed box
Child then asked where Sally will look for marble
Simon Baron Cohen (1985)

Question 8

Sally Anne sample?

Answer 8

20 children with autism
14 children with downs syndrome (control)
27 typically developing children (control)

Question 9

Sally Anne results?

Answer 9

86% of children with Downs syndrome and 85% of typically developing children answered correctly
80% of children with autism failed this task