PSYCH 130 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11.2: Prefrontal Cortex, Executive Functions
Document Summary
Belief-desire theory of mind: more advanced view in which beliefs and desires determine actions. Efforts to alter others" beliefs increase, suggesting children realize the power of belief to influence action. 4 y/o understand that others may be influenced by false beliefs. Mastery of false belief signals a change in representation. Ability to view beliefs as interpretations and not just reflections of reality. School age children realize that people can increase their knowledge through mental inferences. Researchers told children complex stories involving one character"s belief about a second character"s belief and asked the children to answer questions about what the first character though about the second (second order belief) Children aware of second order false beliefs. Can pinpoint reasons why another person arrived at a certain belief. Recursive thought: ability to view situation from at least two perspectives. Reason simultaneously about what two or more people are thinking. School age children regard the mind as an active interpreter of experience.
