Abstract

ABREU, Elissandra S. de et al. Theory of mind complex task: validity based on relationships with external variables. Psicol. teor. prat. [online]. 2020, vol.22, n.2, pp. 105-123. ISSN 1516-3687.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1980-6906/psicologia.v22n2p124-142.

Most research on Theory of Mind (ToM) focuses on preschool years, with few studies targeting later years, especially in the national context. This study aimed to investigate evidence of the validity of a Theory of Mind Complex Task from the relationship with the external variables: age, type of school, and vocabulary. Ninety-eight children, aged between 6 and 9, from private and public schools participated. Results showed age and school effect, with better performance of children from private schools. There was a positive, significant, and moderate magnitude correlation with vocabulary. This study provides the first sources of evidence of task validity, indicating that age and type of school were relevant variables for ToM performance, and therefore should be considered in the elaboration of future norms.

Keywords : theory of mind; validity; social cognition; age; type of school.

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