11.4.2 Theory of Mind

Theory of Mind (ToM) refers to our ability to understand and predict the mental states of others, such as their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. It allows us to interpret and anticipate others' behaviour based on their mental states.

The Sally-Anne test

This was an experiment used to assess ToM, particularly the understanding that others can hold false beliefs. In this test, children were shown a scenario with two dolls, Sally and Anne. Sally hides a marble in her basket and leaves the room. While she's away, Anne moves the marble to her box. When Sally returns, the child is asked where Sally will look for the marble. Correctly answering that Sally will look in her basket (based on her false belief that the marble is still there) demonstrates an understanding of ToM.

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Research by Baron-Cohen et al. (1985) used the Sally-Anne test to compare ToM in three groups: children with normal development, children with Down's syndrome, and children with autism. The study found that while 85% of normally developed children and 86% of children with Down's syndrome answered the ToM question correctly, only 20% of children with autism did so. This suggests that difficulties with Tom, or "mind-blindness," may contribute to the social and communication challenges seen in individuals with autism.

Theory of mind as an explanation for autism:

Those with autism may have a deficit of Theory of mind, meaning that they cannot understand the emotions of others, or that others can have emotions different to their own. Such misunderstandings may explain why those with autism have impairments in empathy, social communication and social imagination.

Evaluation

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Point: There is strong evidence that supports the theory of mind as a way to understand social cognition.

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Evidence: Baron-Cohen and his team's (1985) results have been repeated in many studies, showing consistent findings. Also, Happé et al. (1996) found that during the theory of mind tests, non-autistic children showed brain activity in a specific area (left medial prefrontal cortex), while autistic children did not.

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Explanation: The fact that these results are repeated in different studies shows that the Sally-Anne test is a reliable way to measure the theory of mind in autism. The brain scan results suggest that the theory of mind might be linked to specific brain areas, making the theory stronger in explaining how people understand others' thoughts and feelings.

2

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Point: There is also evidence that challenges how well the theory of mind explains autism.

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Evidence: Tager-Flusberg (2007) reviewed several studies and found that, while many children with autism struggle with theory of mind tests, some children with autism can pass these tests.

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Explanation: This shows that the theory of mind might not fully explain autism, as not all autistic children have problems with it. This suggests that other factors might be involved, making theory of mind only part of the explanation for social difficulties in autism.

(3)

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Point: Theory of Mind (ToM) provides a valuable framework for understanding autism.

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Evidence: The ToM hypothesis explains why individuals with autism may struggle with social communication and empathy, linking these challenges to difficulties in understanding others' thoughts and feelings.

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Explanation: This insight has informed interventions aimed at improving social skills in individuals with autism.

Theory of Mind Simplified Revision Notes for A-Level AQA Psychology

11.4.2 Theory of Mind

The Sally-Anne test

Theory of mind as an explanation for autism:

Evaluation

1

2

(3)

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