theory of mind

theory of mind

1. ability to put oneself mentally in someone else's place

   • understand their motivation and beliefs
   • see situations from their viewpoint
   • allows prediction of events and behaviour more accurately than on basis of behaviour alone
   • seen as a fundamental aspect of what makes us human

2. studies of TOM carried out on children usually a validation of the maxi test

   • looks at understanding of false beliefs - criticized for being overly complex
     • Chandler et al used simpler test and claimed to observe elements of TOM in 2 yr olds
   • people with autism typically lack TOM - difficulty with social relationships and language
     • link suggested between these deficits and TOM

3. claimed that chimps (not monkeys) have elements of TOM - research interpretation is difficult

   • archeological artefacts provide some evidence of evolution of TOM
     • e.g. man/lion statuette shows imagination which requires TOM - essential for creative behaviour

4. evolutionary psychologists interested in the extent to which development of TOM is universal and similar across cultures

   • universality suggests evolved adaptation
     • development has allowed humans to interact in social situations in ways benefitting themselves and kin - improving survival chances / reproductive success