Theory of Mind (ToM)

Question 1

What is ToM?

Answer 1

Our guesses or “theories” about other people’s minds
- Nobody has access to the contents of other people’s minds
- But we make guesses about what people may be thinking, believing or desiring
- ToM is essential for social interactions

Question 2

What is false belief?

Answer 2

When other people hold a false belief about the state of the world
e.g. child believes the children are hiding behind the bush, he’s wrong

Question 3

What is true belief?

Answer 3

When other people hold a true belief about the state of the world
e.g man + woman think the dessert looks yummy, it is
- Children develop true belief ToM before they develop false belief ToM
- Initial studies showed it develops after 4 years of age, but this is changing