OPPapers.com Essay Index >> Psychology >> Baron-Cohen'S Study(Got An &Quot;A&Quot;)
We have many free term papers and essays on Baron-Cohen'S Study(Got An &Quot;A&Quot;). We also have a wide variety of research papers and book reports available to you for free. You can browse our collection of term papers or use our search engine.
Submitted by Rockangel on February 23, 2006
Category: Psychology
Words: 2996 | Pages: 12
Views: 508
Popularity Rank: 22,679
Average Member Grade: N/A (Add a Comment / Grade this Paper)
4. Psychological research is often carried out on a restricted sample of participants. For example, some studies use children, others use students etc. With reference to Tajfel, Baron-Cohen or Loftus, answer the following questions.
a. Outline the main findings of your chosen study. (6 marks)
The study under review in the following paragraphs is Baron-Cohen's: "Does an autistic child have a theory of mind"? study which was conducted in 1985 with the aim of demonstrating that the core deficit underlying autism is the autistic child's inability to employ a theory of mind'. Researchers hold the belief that individuals with autism are "mind-blind" and thus, incapable of engaging in human interactions. It is argued that a child develops a theory of mind' between ages 4 and 6, although some evidence has demonstrated that children as young as 2 years have a theory of mind'. Possessing a theory of mind' is the ability to understand that other persons possess independent minds of their own. The development of a theory of mind enables a child to begin to interpret other persons and to predict what other people are likely to do and believe. It is the ability to think about other people's or one's own thoughts. Baron-Cohen holds the argument that autistic persons do not seem to develop a theory of mind.
In order to instigate his study, Baron-Cohen(1985) embarked on a mission to demonstrate differences in mind-reading ability between autistic children, Down's syndrome children and ordinary children. Children observed a scenario involving two puppet dolls: Sally and Ann who were on the desk. The children were tested consecutively. Sally had a basket infront of her and Ann had a box. The dolls were then introduced to the children (for example, this is Sally'). After the introduction of the dolls, the child's ability to name them was evaluated (the Naming Question').
Afterwards, Sally takes the marble and...
You must Login to view the entire paper.
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!