INTOM · Infant Theory of Mind
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2019-09-01 → 2024-02-01
- EU contribution
- €170,010
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
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Results in brief
Infant Theory of Mind
Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to attribute mental states such as beliefs and desires to others. Recent research using combined behavioural and brain imaging techniques has indicated that this ability may develop as early as 6-months of age. However, there are a number of open questions surrounding this research topic. One of these questions is whether it may be possible to pass ToM tests without actually possessing a Theory of Mind. This could be the case if can use simple rules or be cued to attend to certain locations during ToM tasks to successfully pass the tasks. A second question concerns the replicability of ToM tasks. Several studies whose results have been taken as evidence for Theory of Mind do not appear to replicate such that the participants’ responses may not provide a reliable indication of performance. The overall objectives of this project involved addressing these questions through a series of empirical studies designed to both replicate and extend previous findings by testing alternative explanations that had been provided for performance on Theory of Mind tasks. This work was expected to be complemented by training the research fellow on new techniques and technology (specifically the use of an eye-tracker which they had not used before).
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The project aims to advance knowledge of the development of Theory of Mind - the ability to reason about other’s beliefs. Specifically, the project will combine brain imaging techniques with adaptations to typical Theory of Mind tasks that will allow major theoretical advances in the understanding of infant social cognition. The use of brain imaging techniques to study the development of Theory of Mind is an upcoming research strategy made possible by recent advances in lower-cost infant appropriate techniques such as function Near Infrared Spectroscopy and places this project at the cutting edge of the field. Previously the experienced researcher has sought to evaluate the mechanisms underpinning corvid’s and children’s social behaviours and the Supervisor has independently sought to evaluate the mechanisms underpinning responses to complex social stimuli. The current project uses their joint backgrounds to facilitate the development of innovative behavioural paradigms that, in combination with the use of imaging techniques pioneered by a collaborating research lab, will allow the team to address key questions in infant Theory of Mind research. In addition to the research aspects of the proposal the project will allow the experienced researcher to learn to use imaging techniques on infants and will involve the dissemination of research through publications and conference talks. Furthermore, both the experienced researcher and Supervisor will continue their commitment to undertaking public engagement programs and are excited about exploring the new opportunities for exploiting their research that the project ensues.
Original text from CORDIS.
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union