Essay Questions
3. What is theory of mind and why is it important?
Key Points:
- Consider the definition of theory of mind and why this is an important human ability.
- Consider the tests that have been developed to evaluate theory of mind and the relevant control procedures that have been applied.
- Developmental progression of the attribution of mental states should be discussed, specifically with respect to methodological modifications which may impact on this ability.
- The absence of theory of mind ability in autism should be considered, as well as the implications of theory of mind for other aspects of reasoning and social behaviour – now central topics in contemporary developmental psychology.