A Behavioral Perspective on Theory of Mind

Filmed in 2022

Abstract: Dr. Henry Schlinger describes the history of Theory of Mind (ToM), different ways it is defined, classic tests used to evaluate ToM, and provides a behavior-analytic view on how to evaluate the outcomes of classic tests and behaviors said to reflect ToM.

Learning Objectives:

This presentation:

1. 1. describes a brief history of the concept of Theory of Mind (ToM) (or perspective taking)
   2. describes what most psychologists mean by ToM, in other words the various ways it is defined
   3. describes the classic tests most often used to study ToM
   4. discusses problems with traditional explanations of the results of these tests; and
   5. offers a behavior-analytic view of the behaviors said to reflect ToM.