Development concepts over the past three decades of Theory of Mind

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the methods that have been used over the past three decades to assess Theory of Mind (ToM) development in children. Initial consideration of the connection between specific designs and how they are linked to ToM development concept raise two important questions that need to be investigated further: 1) what traditional methods have provided knowledge about the development of understanding mental states in others?; and 2) what are the factors contributing to the development of new techniques and designs? The conclusions are leading us to consider alternative methodologies that are consistent with the concept that development is a variable and dynamic process