Theory of Mind

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Theory of mind (TOM)

Refers to the ability we have to 'mind read' - a theory/understanding of what others know, think, feel, believe.

Studied TOM using a number of different methods and demonstrated even toddlers have a simple TOM.

Meltzoff - children aged 18 months can interpret the intentions of others.

Children in experimental group observed an adult struggling to put beads in a jar and dropping them on the floor.

Control group observed an adult successfully put beads in a jar.

Both groups went on to successfully place beads in a jar - demonstrates experimental group know the intentions of the adult - shows even young children have a TOM.

Wimmer and Perner - false belief task.

Told 3-4 year old's a story about Maxi.

Maxi left his chocolate in a blue cupboard in the kitchen and went playing in the playground. Later his mother uses his chocolate in her baking and placed the remainder in the green cupboard.

Children were asked where Maxi would look for the chocolate when he comes back from the playground.

Most 3 year old's incorrectly said that he would look in the green cupboard.

Most 4 year old's correctly identified the blue cupboard.

Suggests that TOM undergoes a shift and becomes more advanced at around 4 years old.

Simon Baron Cohen - explored the links between TOM and autism.

Devised a false belief task - Sally Anne task.

Children were told a story about two dolls - Sally and Anne.

Sally places a marble in her basket. When Sally is not looking, Anne moves the marble to her box.

Task is to work out where Sally will look for her marble.

Understanding that Sally does not know Anne has moved the marble requires an understanding of the Sally Anne task.

Studied 20 high functioning children diagnosed with autism, and control groups of 14 children with Down's syndrome and 27 'normal' children.

85% of children in the control groups correctly identified where Sally would look for her marble.

Only 20% of children in the autistic group were able to answer correctly - demonstrates that autism involves a TOM deficit.