At what approximate age do children typically pass false-belief tasks, indicating theory of mind development?

At what approximate age do children typically pass false-belief tasks, indicating theory of mind development?

• A. About 4-5 years old
• B. About 2-3 years old
• C. About 6-7 years old
• D. About 9-10 years old

Answer: (A)

Understanding that others can hold beliefs different from one’s own is what false-belief tasks measure. When children pass these tasks, they show a theory of mind: they realize someone else can hold a belief about the world that is not the same as reality or their own knowledge, and that this belief can guide that person’s actions. Most children reach this milestone around four to five years old. Prior to that, around two to three, children often assume others know what they know and have trouble recognizing that another person’s beliefs may be false. Later on, by six to seven (and older) many children do pass, but the typical developmental window used in education and research is four to five years.

Understanding that others can hold beliefs different from one’s own is what false-belief tasks measure. When children pass these tasks, they show a theory of mind: they realize someone else can hold a belief about the world that is not the same as reality or their own knowledge, and that this belief can guide that person’s actions.

Most children reach this milestone around four to five years old. Prior to that, around two to three, children often assume others know what they know and have trouble recognizing that another person’s beliefs may be false. Later on, by six to seven (and older) many children do pass, but the typical developmental window used in education and research is four to five years.