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Articles on Theory of mind

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Even young children are very aware of whether they’re getting their fair share. Jupiterimages/PHOTOS.com via Getty Images Plus

Selfish or selfless? Human nature means you’re both

Cognitive neuroscientists use brain imaging and behavioral economic games to investigate people’s sense of fairness. They find it’s common to take care of yourself before looking out for others.
The development of an inclusive environment both at school and at home can help children understand and accept differences and reduce bullying. (Shutterstock)

The real way to prevent bullying: Create inclusive homes and classrooms

As Pink Shirt Day approaches, early childhood educators offer practical strategies for parents and teachers to create an inclusive environment and reduce bullying.
It’s actually a big developmental milestone. BlurryMe/Shutterstock.com

Watching children learn how to lie

Psychologists observed young children in real time figuring out how not to tell the truth.
Don’t underestimate what I get about the world around me. Baby image via www.shutterstock.com.

Children understand far more about other minds than long believed

A revolution in the tools and techniques developmental psychologists use to investigate kids’ knowledge and capabilities is rewriting what we know about how and when children understand their world.
It’s argued art helps people cultivate empathy. Heather/Flickr

Do art and literature cultivate empathy?

Empathy is associated with being drawn to the arts, but do they actively promote it or merely appeal to already sensitive souls?
I can’t see you, you can’t see me. Child image via www.shutterstock.com.

Young children are terrible at hiding – psychologists have a new theory why

Little kids cover their own eyes and feel hidden, even if they’re still fully visible. New research suggests this doesn’t mean children can’t understand others’ perspectives, as had been assumed.
Bonobo Jasongo at Leipzig Zoo has a hunch about what you’re thinking. MPI-EVA

Can great apes read your mind?

Realizing that others’ minds hold different thoughts, feelings and knowledge than your own was thought to be something only people could do. But evidence is accumulating that apes, too, have ‘theory of mind.’
Some argue that morality is everywhere, or maybe nowhere, in our brain. Martin Deutsch/Flickr

Is there a moral centre in our brain?

There’s no single region in the brain responsible for all moral decision making. But neuroscience research has shown specific brain regions are involved when we’re faced with moral dilemmas.
Not so easy to beat me. arichards-gallery

Now we know why it’s so hard to deceive children

Daily interactions require bargaining, be it for food, money or even making plans. These situations inevitably lead to a conflict of interest as both parties seek to maximise their gains. To deal with…

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