Measuring theory of mind in children. Psychometric properties of the ToM Storybooks.
Although research on Theory-of-Mind (ToM) is often based on single task measurements, more comprehensive instruments result in a better understanding of ToM development. The ToM Storybooks is a new instrument measuring basic ToM-functioning and associated aspects. There are 34 tasks, tapping various emotions, beliefs, desires and mental-physical distinctions. Four studies on the validity and reliability of the test are presented, in typically developing children (n = 324, 3-12 years) and children with PDD-NOS (n = 30). The ToM Storybooks have good psychometric qualities. A component analysis reveals five components corresponding with the underlying theoretical constructs. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, construct validity and convergent validity are good. The ToM Storybooks can be used in research as well as in clinical settings.
Department of Clinical and Developmental Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. els@px.nl
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Blijd-Hoogewys
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van Geert
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Serra
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Minderaa
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D032882:Comprehension; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis