Part 3: Theory of Mind
Theory of Mind Test
One way to determine an individual’s theory of mind capabilities is to conduct a false
beliefs test. Wimmer and Perner first proposed the false-belief test in 1983. Studies conducted
on a false belief test have concluded that children aged 3-4 years old are unable to correctly
complete such test. However children aged 4-6 years old and 6-9 years old are able to correctly
identify the correct option 57% and 86% of the time respectfully. Researchers concluded, “that
the emergence of children's ability to understand another person's beliefs and how this person
will react on the basis of these beliefs...seems to emerge within the period of 4 to 6 years”
(Tanaka, Embodied Knowledge, 2011). The following figure displays one such false belief test
involving two girls, Sally and Ann, a toy ball, and two containers, a box and a basket.
Part 3: Theory of Mind
Figure 1.1 False Belief Test
Someone who has a full grasp of theory of mind will immediately know that Sally will look for
the ball in the last place where she left it. Sally was unaware that the ball was moved; however a
Part 3: Theory of Mind
person with a poor theory of mind will believe that Sally will look for the ball in the box.
Individuals with a poor theory of mind are not able to fully grasp that Sally would not know what
Ann has done to the ball.
How Theory of Mind Effects Communication and Social Skills
As previously stated individuals with autism commonly have a poor theory of mind,
which in turn effects their communication and social skills. A great amount of human speech is
quite ambiguous; therefore individuals must infer meaning by relying on others contest and
behavior to interpret meaning. In fact “Daniel Dennett (1978) suggested that if a person was
unable to understand the thoughts or intentions of another person, much of social interaction and
communication would be a mystery” (Autism and Theory of Mind, 2011). As a result it is not
surprising that theory of mind can explain some of the difficulties individuals with autism have
in the areas of social skills and communication. Individuals who are able to recognize “emotions
of others by correctly interpreting nonverbal cues can make communication much more
effective” (Theory of Mind, Asperger-advice.com, 2012). This helps to explains why individuals
with Aspergers are often unaware that their long, monologue type speech on an area of interest is
not appreciated by communication partners, because they are unable to sense the level of interest
of a listener. Additionally individuals with Aspergers frequently make blunt comments, which
can often be rude or painful, because they are incapable of anticipating how their comments
affect other people due to a poor theory of mind. In terms of social skills, it is much easier for an
individual with a strong theory of mind to feel empathy, the ability to put oneself in another’s
situation. This skill makes social scenarios much easier to navigate, because by “understanding
the emotions people go through will give you the ability to predict their behavior which will
Part 3: Theory of Mind
effect social interaction. Knowing what to expect will help you know how to respond to the
situation” (Theory of Mind, Asperger-advice.com, 2012). Fortunately there are several strategies
and interventions that can be used in order to improve theory of mind in individuals with autism.
References:
Autism and Theory of Mind. (2011). Speech Therapy Information and Resources. Retrieved on
December 4, 2012 from: http://www.speech-therapy-information-andresources.com/autism-and-theory-of-mind.html.
Baron-Cohen, S., Tager-Flusberg, H., and Cohen, D. (ed.) (2000). Understanding other minds:
perspectives from developmental neuroscience, (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
False-belief test. (2011). Embodied Knowledge. Retrieved on December 2, 2012 from:
http://embodiedknowledge.blogspot.com/2011/01/false-belief-test.html.
Soraya, L. (2008). Empathy, Mindblindness, and Theory of Mind: Do people with autism truly
lack empathy? Asperger’s Diary. Retrieved on December 2, 2012 from:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/aspergers-diary/200805/empathy-mindblindnessand-theory-mind.
Theory of mind. (2007). Asperger-advice.com. Retrieved on December 2, 2012 from:
http://www.asperger-advice.com/theory-of-mind.html.
Volkmar, F. R., & Wiesner, L. A. (2009). A practical guide to autism: What every parent, family
member, and teacher needs to know. New York: Wiley & Sons.