Baron-Cohen Flashcards
(21 cards)
What was the previous test done to test people with ASD. Testing for theory of mind.
The Sally Anne test
What test did Baron-Cohen use to test for autistic traits.
Autism Quotient test or AQ test
Aims of Baron-Cohen
Is there an association between performance on this test and measures of autistic traits
Are there gender differences in those without autism on this task?
What is theory of mind. Definition
Theory of mind’ is a cognitive ability that enables us to realise that others have different feelings, beliefs, knowledge and desires from us
What was the problem with the 1997 ‘reading the mind in the eyes test’
It was a forced choice question with only 2 responses which were always opposites
The small number of examples (25) led to many in the ‘normal’ group scoring 24 or 25 causing a ceiling effect
The 25 sets of eyes illustrated both basic emotions and complex emotions, and the basic ones were too easy
No glossary
Forced choice 50/50
Name three emotions in the glossary that were on the text
Anxious, Depressed and relaxed
What type of experiment was Baron-Cohen
Lab experiment
What type of experimental design was used
Matched participants and Individual groups design
Was a pilot study used and what for
Yes. Photos were chosen with a pilot study
Why was this also a quasi/natural experiment
Participants cannot be assigned to any condition, that is pre-determined based on their characteristics (whether they have autism)
How many hypothesis did Baron-Cohen have
5
One: Participants with autism will score significantly lower scores on the revised ‘Reading The Mind in the Eyes’ task than the control group
Two: Participants with autism will score significantly higher on the Autism Spectrum Quotient Test (AQ) measure
Three: Females in the ‘normal’ group (groups 2 & 3) will score higher on the ‘Reading The Mind in the Eyes’ task than males in those groups
Four: Males in the ‘normal’ group (group 3) would score higher on the AQ measure than females
Five: Scores on the AQ & the ‘Reading The Mind in the Eyes’ task would be negatively correlated
How many groups did Baron- Cohen have
4 groups
Group 1. sample. Sample technique, IQ and age
Group 1 = AS/HFA group
15 male adults
Mean IQ score = 115
Mean age 29.7
All participants volunteered from ads in Autistic Society Magazine and support groups
All participants had been diagnosed in specialist centers using DSM or ICD criteria
Group 2. Age, Sample, Sample technique.
Group 2: Adult comparison group.
‘Normal’ adults ( without ASD)
Participants were from adult community & education classes in Exeter, or were public library users in Cambridge
Mean age 46.5
Group 3. Age. Sample, Sample technique.
Group 3: Student comparison group.
‘Normal ‘ students ( not with ASD)
From Cambridge university
Mean age 20.8
Group 4. IQ, Age. Sample, Sampling technique
Group 4: Matched IQ group.
14 Matched IQ participants
Mean age of 28
Mean IQ 116
Randomly selected from the general public.
Procedure
Each participant was given a practice item then given the 36 sets of eyes with 4 possible target words for each
Also participants were given a glossary and told they could refer back to it at any time
Participants were shown 36 pairs of eyes (18 male, 18 female)
Each pair of eyes came with a choice of 4 emotions (eg reflective, aghast, irritated, impatient)
Participants in all 4 groups were tested on the revised test, and participants in group 1 were also asked to judge the gender of the target in each photo
How were the words and foil words developed and agreed on
The target and foil words (descriptions for eyes) were developed using groups of 8 judges
At least 5 judges had to agree the target word was most appropriate for the eyes, and no more than 2 could select any of the foil words
What happened before the experiment happened
Each participant read through a glossary of words that were to be used to ensure they understood the meanings
If a participant did not know the definition of a word during the experiment they were referred back to the glossary to check its definition
Each participant was given a practice item then given the 36 sets of eyes with 4 possible target words for each
Baron Cohen results
Group 1 correctly identified significantly fewer target words
than all other groups
No participant in any of the conditions checked the glossary for more than 2 definitions
In the group 2 (‘normal’ adults) comparison and group 3 (student) comparison, sex differences were apparent between males and females on the eyes test, but this was not significant
All participants in group 1 scored 33 or above out of 36 on gender recognition task
Statistically significant correlation between AQ & Eyes test scores (-0.53) but no correlation between IQ & revised Eyes test scores
This suggests that as a participant’s AQ score increases (meaning higher autistic traits) their ability to correctly identify correct target words decreases
Baron Cohen Conclusions
Participants with ASD have a deficit in cognitive processes that allows them to identify emotions in other people
This lack of a ‘theory of mind’ or ability to attribute emotions to others is strongly linked to ASD
Evidence of sex differences in comparison groups with males showing more autistic traits and performing worse on the Eyes test (further research should be done here)
The revised test was a more sensitive measure of adult social intelligence and will help further research in this area
