Work

Why Is Theory of Mind Important for Referential Communication?

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: This research studies the relation between children's Theory of Mind (ToM) and the communicative behaviour and strategies used in a referential communication task. A total of 46 children (aged 6 to 10) were administered 6 ToM tasks, and they also participated in pairs in a cooperative task. Each pair built 4 construction models. Results showed that several ToM skills were related to the communicative behaviours of requesting clarification and giving information. In addition, the most used communicative strategy was Joint review, in which participants reviewed together the location of their blocks. This strategy was the most related to ToM abilities and to cooperative success. The importance of ToM for developing the communicative behaviours and strategies necessary for cooperation is discussed.

Source: Current Psychology

DOI: 10.1007/s12144-016-9492-5

Authors: Francesc Sidera, Georgina Perpiñà, Jèssica Serrano, Carles Rostan

Institution: Universitat de Girona

Language: English

Topic: Child and Animal Learning Development

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,390

Funder: Universitat de Girona