Video. Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature.

VideoVideo

Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature to Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356-370.

Origins of Individual Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Differences in Theory of

Mind: From Nature to Mind: From Nature to Nurture?Nurture?

Hughes et. AlHughes et. Al

By Ryan Heflin and Suzie By Ryan Heflin and Suzie BandaBanda

Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature to Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356-370.

The StudyThe Study

Goal: Goal: measure whether nature or nurture has measure whether nature or nurture has

a greater influence on the expression of a greater influence on the expression of a persons theory of mind (ToM)a persons theory of mind (ToM)

Theory of MindTheory of Mind A person’s ability to understand that A person’s ability to understand that

another human being’s actions are another human being’s actions are influenced by that other human being’s influenced by that other human being’s subjective perception of the world (i.e. subjective perception of the world (i.e. beliefs, desires, intentions, emotions). beliefs, desires, intentions, emotions).

Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature to Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356-370.

Procedure: Twin StudyProcedure: Twin Study

SampleSample 1,116 twin pairs; 56% monozygotic 44% 1,116 twin pairs; 56% monozygotic 44%

dizygoticdizygotic 5 years old5 years old

Measure: QuestionaireMeasure: Questionaire

Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature to Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356-370.

Results:Results:Monozygotic and Dizygotic correlations were identical Monozygotic and Dizygotic correlations were identical

(r=.53)(r=.53)

Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature to Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356-370.

Noteworthy PointsNoteworthy Points Significant Environmental Influences on ToMSignificant Environmental Influences on ToM

Verbal Abilities Correlate with ToM DevelopmentVerbal Abilities Correlate with ToM Development

Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature to Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356-370.

Weaknesses in ArgumentWeaknesses in Argument

Conflicts with another twin study of Conflicts with another twin study of a similar naturea similar nature

Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature to Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356-370.

Test QuestionsTest Questions What is Theory of Mind?What is Theory of Mind?

A) One’s ability to recognize others as having subjective perceptions of the world.A) One’s ability to recognize others as having subjective perceptions of the world. B) Philosophical question of the relationship between the mind and the brain.B) Philosophical question of the relationship between the mind and the brain. C) Theory behind how one acquires language.C) Theory behind how one acquires language.

Which of the following was not one of the aims of the Individual Differences in Theory of Mind study?Which of the following was not one of the aims of the Individual Differences in Theory of Mind study? A) To examine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences on individual A) To examine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences on individual

differences in ToM in twinsdifferences in ToM in twins B) To explore the possible overlap between influences on individual differences in ToM and B) To explore the possible overlap between influences on individual differences in ToM and

verbal abilityverbal ability C) To study individual differences in ToM between twins separated at birthC) To study individual differences in ToM between twins separated at birth

Which of the following environmental influences affect the development of ToM?Which of the following environmental influences affect the development of ToM? A) The presence of siblingsA) The presence of siblings B) Cultural differencesB) Cultural differences C) mind-mindedness (mother’s sensitivity to a child’s perception of the world)C) mind-mindedness (mother’s sensitivity to a child’s perception of the world) D) All of the above D) All of the above

A person’s theory of mind develops only from environmental influencesA person’s theory of mind develops only from environmental influences True or falseTrue or false

In the ToM Twin Study they measured ToM, SES, and verbal abilities?In the ToM Twin Study they measured ToM, SES, and verbal abilities? True or FalseTrue or False

Monozygotic Twins are identical and share 100% of their genes?Monozygotic Twins are identical and share 100% of their genes? True or FalseTrue or False

Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H., Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E. (2005).Origins of Individual Differences in Theory of Mind: From Nature to Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356-370.

AnswersAnswers What is Theory of Mind?What is Theory of Mind?

A) One’s ability to recognize others as having subjective perceptions of the world.A) One’s ability to recognize others as having subjective perceptions of the world. B) Philosophical question of the relationship between the mind and the brain.B) Philosophical question of the relationship between the mind and the brain. C) Theory behind how one acquires language.C) Theory behind how one acquires language.

Which of the following was not one of the aims of the Individual Differences in Theory of Mind study?Which of the following was not one of the aims of the Individual Differences in Theory of Mind study? A) To examine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences on individual A) To examine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences on individual

differences in ToM in twinsdifferences in ToM in twins B) To explore the possible overlap between influences on individual differences in ToM and B) To explore the possible overlap between influences on individual differences in ToM and

verbal abilityverbal ability C) To study individual differences in ToM between twins separated at birthC) To study individual differences in ToM between twins separated at birth

Which of the following environmental influences affect the development of ToM?Which of the following environmental influences affect the development of ToM? A) The presence of siblingsA) The presence of siblings B) Cultural differencesB) Cultural differences C) mind-mindedness (mother’s sensitivity to a child’s perception of the world)C) mind-mindedness (mother’s sensitivity to a child’s perception of the world) D) All of the aboveD) All of the above

A person’s theory of mind develops only from environmental influencesA person’s theory of mind develops only from environmental influences True or True or falsefalse

In the ToM Twin Study they measured ToM, SES, and verbal abilities?In the ToM Twin Study they measured ToM, SES, and verbal abilities? TrueTrue or False or False

Monozygotic Twins are identical and share 100% of their genes?Monozygotic Twins are identical and share 100% of their genes? True True or Falseor False