title: Counterfactual thinking and false belief: the role of executive function.
abstract: The purpose of the current study was to examine further the relationship between counterfactual thinking and false belief (FB) as examined by Guajardo and Turley-Ames (Cognitive Development, 19 (2004) 53-80). More specifically, the current research examined the importance of working memory and inhibitory control in understanding the relationship between counterfactual thinking and FB. Participants were 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds (N=76). Counterfactual thinking statements generated accounted for significant variance in FB performance beyond age and language. Working memory and inhibitory control each partially mediated the relationship between counterfactual thinking and FB performance. The maturation of executive functioning skills is important in children's developing understanding of counterfactual reasoning and FB.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA. draystef@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Stefane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Drayton
authors.forename: Kandi J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Turley-Ames
authors.forename: Nicole R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Guajardo
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D032882:Comprehension / Q000502:physiology; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology; D011581:Psychological Tests; D056345:Theory of Mind / Q000502:physiology; D013850:Thinking / Q000502:physiology*