theory of mind Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is Theory of Mind?
The ability to attribute mental states (e.g. beliefs, intentions, desires, and emotions) to oneself and others and to understand that others have perspectives different from one’s own.
How does Theory of Mind relate to personality, self, and identity?
It is linked to traits like empathy, agreeableness, and openness, which help navigate social relationships more effectively.
What is Reflective Self-Awareness?
The ability to consider how others perceive us, crucial for self-perception, self-esteem, and self-regulation.
What role does understanding others’ perspectives play in moral reasoning?
It supports moral reasoning and identity formation.
What abilities does Theory of Mind develop from birth?
From birth, Theory of Mind develops the ability to recognize others’ intentions, emotions, desires, and beliefs, gradually progressing to understanding false beliefs and perspective-taking as cognitive and social skills grow.
Is Theory of Mind a single concept?
Is Theory of Mind a single concept?
What are the main components of the ‘toolbox’ in Theory of Mind?
There are 5 levels:
1. Agents, Goals and Intentionality
2. Imitation, Synchrony and Empathy
3. Joint Attention, Visual Perspective Taking
4. Projection and Simulation
5. Mental State Inference
How long does it take humans to fully develop Theory of Mind?
At least 3-5 years.
What does identifying agents involve?
Identifying agents involves recognizing objects that move independently, indicating they can act on their own. In psychology, it’s understanding that these objects have the ability to initiate actions or behaviors.
What is imitation?
The human tendency to carefully observe others’ behaviors and do as they do.
What is mimicry?
A subtle, automatic form of imitation.
What is synchrony?
When mimicry happens mutually, with people interacting using the same gestures, voice tone, and body positions.
What is automatic empathy?
When you feel the same emotions as the people you are interacting with.
What is joint attention?
Shared engagement in what is being attended to.
What is visual perspective taking?
The ability to adopt another person’s spatial viewpoint.
What is simulation in the context of Theory of Mind?
Using one’s own mental state as a model for others’ mental states.
What is projection in Theory of Mind?
Assuming the other’s perspective equals our own.
What is egocentrism?
The assumption that others think the way we do, which can lead to misunderstanding.
What is mental state inference?
The ability to separate one’s own wants, feelings, and knowledge from what another person is likely to want, feel, and know.
What does the False-Belief Test measure?
It assesses the understanding that others can hold beliefs that are different from reality.
What is Mental State Inference?
It is understanding another’s perspective by separating your own thoughts, desires, and knowledge from theirs, using both general and specific knowledge about the person.
What is Projection and Simulation ?
Simulation uses your own mental state as a model for others’, while projection assumes others share your perspective. Beware of egocentrism: projecting can lead to errors if others think differently.
What is Joint Attention & Visual Perspective Taking?
Joint attention is shared focus on something, while visual perspective-taking is adopting another person’s spatial viewpoint, seeing the world as they see it.
What is Imitation, Synchrony & Empathy?
Imitation is consciously copying behaviors, mimicry is subtle, automatic imitation, and synchrony is mutual mimicry. Automatic empathy is sharing emotions, both psychologically and physically, through interaction.
