We chose a study conducted and described by Emma Newton and Vichii Jenvey. The investigation was held to study the connection between the theory of mind (ToM) and social competence. Also, the question of the association of peer play and social competence was held.
Theory of mind is the ability to recognize, to understand, and to predict intents, beliefs, desires, and behavior in oneself and also in others. It is a system of representation of mental phenomena which develops intensively in childhood. The most important aspect of the model of mental state is a realization of the other as an intentional agent. In other words, it is a recognition of the fact that personal mental state is not identical to another person mental state. In the chosen study researchers assumed the connection between ToM ability and the development of social competence. Also, they described the importance of children's play in the process of the development of social competence.
85 children (39 M/ 46 F) and their parents took part in the investigation. The mean age of children was 4 years and 6 months. Both parents and children were proficient in English. In the course of study, children were observed taking into consideration different criteria like age and sex. Children were tested in small groups, their verbal abilities were tested. Also, they were observed both in social and solitary play conditions.
The results of the investigation were showed trough tables taking into consideration means and standard deviation. The investigation showed that there is no considerable association between children's ToM performance and social competence. Older children deal with ToM tasks significantly better than younger ones. Still, this difference had no influence on children's social competence. This study shows that verbal abilities are closely connected with the possibility to complete ToM tasks. As to play and social competence the results showed that frequent solitary play can cause behavioral problems, especially for boys. The association between social and solitary play and social competence can be proposed for further investigation (Emma Newton, Vichii Jenvey, 2011).
References
Newton, E., & Jenvey, V. (2011). Play and theory of mind: associations with social competence in young children. Early Child Development And Care, 181(6), 761-773. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2010.486898
