Putting the Theory in Theory of Mind

This chapter looks at the development of a theory of mind. Compared to computers, humans are poor at data mining. Instead, humans are terrific at creating an overarching theory to explain the facts and then using that theory to make sense of new details that arise. This way of thinking, called everyday theoretical thinking, goes far beyond data mining. People’s basic theory building proceeds from the theory-of-mind skills they learn as babies and young children. If theorizing explains how children accumulate their ideas, then children’s theory-of-mind developments should show three signature features of scientific theory development: Developing theories of mind should unfold in a progression of steps; the changes should grow from evidence, so different experiences can yield different sequences of understanding; and prior knowledge should not only constrain but also facilitate later learning.