Theory of mind is an awkward name for the human ability to perceive oneself and others as thinking but separate individuals. It is not an ability evident from birth, but rather develops around age four.
A classic way to test whether a child has developed theory of mind is also a good way to demonstrate its meaning. In the test, a researcher empties candies out of a box of, say, Smarties, and replaces them with a pencil, then hands the box to a child who hasn't observed the switch.
The child opens the box expecting to find sweets and finds the writing implement instead.
The child is then asked to give the box to another unsuspecting youngster. A child who can exercise theory of mind would probably giggle, understanding that the other child is in for a surprise. But younger children would expect another toddler to think that the candy box would contain a pencil - because they aren't yet able to understand other individuals haven't shared their experiences.
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A classic way to test whether a child has developed theory of mind is also a good way to demonstrate its meaning. In the test, a researcher empties candies out of a box of, say, Smarties, and replaces them with a pencil, then hands the box to a child who hasn't observed the switch.
The child opens the box expecting to find sweets and finds the writing implement instead.
The child is then asked to give the box to another unsuspecting youngster. A child who can exercise theory of mind would probably giggle, understanding that the other child is in for a surprise. But younger children would expect another toddler to think that the candy box would contain a pencil - because they aren't yet able to understand other individuals haven't shared their experiences.
- source
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