Undergraduate Course: Mindreading: Investigations in Theory of Mind (PSYL10181)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | In this course we will cover different perspectives on Theory of Mind. We will be asking what it means to have a Theory of Mind, who has a Theory of Mind, and how does Theory of Mind interface with cognition? |
| Course description |
Theory of Mind is central to being human. This course will provide a contemporary and holistic view of Theory of Mind. Across the course we will blend theoretical discussions with empirical investigations and critically examine longstanding debates. We will consider Theory of Mind from a developmental perspective before broadening our outlook to investigate cross-cultural perspectives on Theory of Mind, and how Theory of Mind interacts with other aspects of cognition such as language.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should be studying Psychology as their degree major, and have completed at least 3 Psychology courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses. Applicants should note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission.
**Please note that upper level Psychology courses are high-demand, meaning that they have a very high number of students wishing to enrol in a very limited number of spaces.** These enrolments are managed strictly by the Visiting Student Office, in line with the quotas allocated by the department, and all enquiries to enrol in these courses must be made through the CAHSS Visiting Student Office. It is not appropriate for students to contact the department directly to request additional spaces. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of scientific advances, debates, and challenges related to Theory of Mind.
- Critically evaluate theoretical proposals regarding Theory of Mind.
- Analyse the interconnectivity between Theory of Mind and the wider human experience.
- Critically evaluate and compare methodological approaches to Theory of Mind research
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Reading List
Indicative reading:
Apperly, I. A. (2012). What is ¿theory of mind¿? Concepts, cognitive processes and individual differences. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 65(5), 825-839.
Bernstein, D. M., Thornton, W. L., & Sommerville, J. A. (2011). Theory of mind through the ages: Older and middle-aged adults exhibit more errors than do younger adults on a continuous false belief task. Experimental Aging Research, 37(5), 481-502.
Byom, L. J., & Mutlu, B. (2013). Theory of mind: Mechanisms, methods, and new directions. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 7, 413.
Krupenye, C., & Call, J. (2019). Theory of mind in animals: Current and future directions. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science, 10(6), e1503.
Quesque, F., & Rossetti, Y. (2020). What do theory-of-mind tasks actually measure? Theory and practice. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(2), 384-396.
Wellman, H. M., Cross, D., & Watson, J. (2001). Meta¿analysis of theory¿of¿mind development: The truth about false belief. Child development, 72(3), 655-684. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course will develop students¿ research and enquiry skills, and intellectual autonomy through critically analysing complex theories and empirical research findings that span multiple disciplines. It will encourage a passion to engage globally through considering cross-cultural research. The course will build communication skills and personal effectiveness through in-class discussion and presentations. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Alice Rees
Tel: (0131 6)50 3597
Email: Alice.Rees@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Anna Jarvis
Tel:
Email: ajarvis3@ed.ac.uk |
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