Theory of Mind Taking the Perspective of Others

A very simple game of “hide the candy” reveals the inability of very young children to take the perspective of others. An adult hides candy in her left or right fist and the child must guess the location of the candy.

A very simple game of “hide the candy” reveals the inability of very young children to take the perspective of others. An adult hides candy in her left or right fist and the child must guess the location of the candy. Even young children quickly understand the simple challenge and obviously enjoy the game.

However, when it is the children’s turn to hide the candy, they divide into two groups. The older ones can do it, but the younger ones just do not get it. The latter simply are unable to imagine what their opponent can and cannot see. The young children are hopeless in playing the simple game of deception. For example, one young boy presents the adult with only the fist that contains the candy. Another eats the candy. A third switches the candy from her one fist to the other in view of the adult.

The narrator suggests that seeing into the mind of one’s opponent, and thus achieving mastery of the game, is a matter of maturation.

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      After you've watched the video, click the link below to answer questions about what you've learned.
      Video Assessment Quiz

      Question

      The program indicates that before the age of _______ children are unable to assume the perspective of another.




      Question

      The narrator suggests that the ability to take the perspective of another is a matter of: