What Is a Theory of Mind?

About the lecture

In this lecture, we explore what psychologists mean when they speak of a ‘theory of mind’, focusing in particular on: (i) defining the term as ‘the ability to make inferences about the internal states and beliefs of others’; (ii) some early research on this topic by Premack and Woodruff (1978); (iii) how a test of false belief can be used to measure the development of a theory of mind in children; (iv) why we might consider the development of a theory of mind as a functional or adaptive trait.

About the lecturer

Peter Mitchell is Professor and Director of Studies in Psychology at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. Previously, he was head of the School of Psychology on the University of Nottingham’s UK campus. He has published six books and is editor of the British Journal of Psychology. Professor Mitchell has served as Chair of the Developmental Section of the British Psychological Society and as Chief Examiner for the Economic and Social Research Council UK PhD studentship competition. Some of Professor Mitchell’s recent publications include ‘Autism and the double empathy problem: Implications for development and mental health’ (2020) and ‘Do neurotypical people like or dislike autistic people?’ (2021).