Video
Origins of Individual
Differences in Theory of
Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?
Hughes et. Al
By Ryan Heflin and Suzie Banda
Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H.,
Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E.
(2005).Origins of Individual Differences
in Theory of Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356370.
The Study

Goal:


measure whether nature or nurture has a
greater influence on the expression of a
persons theory of mind (ToM)
Theory of Mind

A person’s ability to understand that another
human being’s actions are influenced by that
other human being’s subjective perception of
the world (i.e. beliefs, desires, intentions,
Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H.,
emotions). Jaffee,
S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E.
(2005).Origins of Individual Differences
in Theory of Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356370.
Procedure: Twin Study

Sample



1,116 twin pairs; 56% monozygotic 44%
dizygotic
5 years old
Measure: Questionaire
Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H.,
Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E.
(2005).Origins of Individual Differences
in Theory of Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356370.
Results:
Monozygotic and Dizygotic correlations were identical
(r=.53)
Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H.,
Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E.
(2005).Origins of Individual Differences
in Theory of Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356370.
Noteworthy Points

Significant Environmental Influences on ToM

Verbal Abilities Correlate with ToM Development
Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H.,
Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E.
(2005).Origins of Individual Differences
in Theory of Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356370.
Weaknesses in Argument

Conflicts with another twin study of a
similar nature
Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H.,
Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E.
(2005).Origins of Individual Differences
in Theory of Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356370.
Test Questions

What is Theory of Mind?

A) One’s ability to recognize others as having subjective perceptions of the world.

B) Philosophical question of the relationship between the mind and the brain.

C) Theory behind how one acquires language.
Which of the following was not one of the aims of the Individual Differences in Theory of Mind study?

A) To examine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in
ToM in twins

B) To explore the possible overlap between influences on individual differences in ToM and verbal ability

C) To study individual differences in ToM between twins separated at birth

Which of the following environmental influences affect the development of ToM?






A person’s theory of mind develops only from environmental influences


True or false
In the ToM Twin Study they measured ToM, SES, and verbal abilities?


A) The presence of siblings
B) Cultural differences
C) mind-mindedness (mother’s sensitivity to a child’s perception of the world)
D) All of the above
True or False
Monozygotic Twins are identical and share 100% of their genes?

True or False
Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H.,
Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E.
(2005).Origins of Individual Differences
in Theory of Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356370.
Answers

What is Theory of Mind?

A) One’s ability to recognize others as having subjective perceptions of the world.

B) Philosophical question of the relationship between the mind and the brain.

C) Theory behind how one acquires language.
Which of the following was not one of the aims of the Individual Differences in Theory of Mind study?

A) To examine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in
ToM in twins

B) To explore the possible overlap between influences on individual differences in ToM and verbal ability

C) To study individual differences in ToM between twins separated at birth

Which of the following environmental influences affect the development of ToM?






A person’s theory of mind develops only from environmental influences


True or false
In the ToM Twin Study they measured ToM, SES, and verbal abilities?


A) The presence of siblings
B) Cultural differences
C) mind-mindedness (mother’s sensitivity to a child’s perception of the world)
D) All of the above
True or False
Monozygotic Twins are identical and share 100% of their genes?

True or False
Hughes, C., Happe, F. & Taylor, H.,
Jaffee, S.R., Caspi, A. & Moffitt T.E.
(2005).Origins of Individual Differences
in Theory of Mind: From Nature to
Nurture?. Child Development, 76, 356370.