What leads to the development of ToM?

Question 1

What are the two main theories about what leads to the development of Theory of Mind (ToM)?

Answer 1

The two main theories are the Cognitive-Developmental approach and the Social Interactionist approach.

Question 2

According to the Cognitive-Developmental approach, what supports the development of ToM?

Answer 2

It suggests that ToM depends on the development of general cognitive skills like inhibition and working memory.

Question 3

How does inhibition help in the development of ToM?

Answer 3

Better inhibition improves behavioral control, helping children succeed in tasks like understanding false beliefs.

Question 4

How does working memory support the development of ToM?

Answer 4

Working memory allows children to hold and compare two different ideas or representations at the same time, which is important for understanding others’ perspectives.

Question 5

According to the Social Interactionist approach, what helps develop ToM?

Answer 5

Interactions with caregivers, siblings, and peers help children develop Theory of Mind.

Question 6

What evidence supports the Social Interactionist view of ToM development?

Answer 6

Research shows that children from larger families perform better on false belief tasks, especially children with poorer language skills (Jenkins & Astington, 1996).