Watch the following short film, theory of mind.mov, which demonstrates the theory of mind using a juice box experiment.

 

At around four years of age, a fundamental change occurs in children’s understanding of others’ behaviors or what is also calledtheory of mind. Using your knowledge from our readings, watch the video to determine which stage both Jacob and Patrick are currently in respectively.

 

Discuss both Jacob’s and Patrick’s reaction to the “mean monkey.” What stage would Erickson say each child is in? How do these different stages influence their values and attitudes? Do you think it is possible for a child over the age of three to have trouble understanding that his or her beliefs can be false? Explain your reasoning. 

 

Guided Response: 

 

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Review all of your classmates’ posts and respond to at least two classmates by Day 7. Include how you would explain to a child how his or her beliefs could be incorrect. Give specific examples that would be appropriate for a three- to five-year-old child.