Theory Of Mind - Evaluation

Question 1

What is limitation of theory of mind ? (False belief tasks )

Answer 1

False belief tasks lack validity.

Bloom and German (2000) - success on a false belief task requires other cognitive abilities apart from Theory of Mind
Eg memory.

The Sally-Anne story - quite long for a 3 year old to remember.
problematic - Theory of Mind research is dominated by false belief research.

Question 2

What is another limitation of theory of mind

Answer 2

methods used to study Theory of Mind could simply measure perspective-taking.

Eg responses to the Sally-Anne task could be explained in terms of children’s ability to take Sally’s perspective.

Theory of Mind ->hard to distinguish from perspective taking.

challenges the validity of Theory of Mind research
Might just be measuring the ability to view social situations from another person’s point of view. (Perpective taking)

Question 3

What is a strength + limitation of the theory of mind

Answer 3

Research -> helps us understand the differing experiences of those on the autistic spectrum + neurotypical

People on autistic spectrum - more difficulty than others on age appropriate of TOM test.

Autism spectrum disorder - direct result of theory of mind has been questioned

More recent research -> questioned assumption that ToM specific to ASD
Not all on autism spectrum suffer from Tom problems

Question 4

What is another limitation about ToM (

Answer 4

There is no clear understanding of how Theory of Mind develops.

Perner et al (2002) Piagetian approach and see Theory of Mind a simply developing in line with all cognitive abilities.

 Wilde Astington (1998) 
more Vygotskian approach 
internalise our Theory of Mind during early interactions with adults. 

Dont know how Theory of Mind develops - cannot be causal explantion for ASD