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🤔cognitive psychology review

Sally-Anne Test

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Sally-Anne Test is a psychological assessment used to measure a person's theory of mind, particularly the ability to understand that others can hold beliefs different from one's own. This test typically involves a story where two dolls, Sally and Anne, are used to demonstrate a scenario of deception and false belief. Understanding the outcome of the test reflects the development of social cognition and the ability to recognize that others can have perspectives that diverge from reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Sally-Anne Test is particularly effective in assessing children's developmental milestones related to understanding others' beliefs.
  2. Typically, children under 4 years old struggle with the Sally-Anne Test, indicating their emerging ability to grasp false beliefs.
  3. Passing the test suggests that a child has reached a significant cognitive milestone in social cognition, generally around the age of 4 or 5.
  4. The test has been widely used in research on autism spectrum disorders, as individuals with autism may have difficulties in passing it due to challenges in understanding others' perspectives.
  5. The simplicity of the Sally-Anne Test makes it a valuable tool for educators and psychologists in evaluating social cognitive development.

Review Questions

  • How does the Sally-Anne Test demonstrate a child's understanding of false beliefs?
    • The Sally-Anne Test illustrates a child's grasp of false beliefs through a scenario where one doll, Sally, places her marble in a basket and leaves the scene. When she returns, children must predict where Sally will look for her marble. A child who understands that Sally has a false belief about the marble's location will answer correctly by saying she will look in the basket, not knowing it was moved. This reflects an understanding that others can have different knowledge than their own.
  • Discuss the implications of children's performance on the Sally-Anne Test in relation to developmental psychology.
    • Children's performance on the Sally-Anne Test provides insight into their cognitive development regarding social cognition. Those who pass the test typically demonstrate advanced theory of mind abilities, which are crucial for effective social interaction. The ability to comprehend that others can hold beliefs contrary to one's own is fundamental for empathy, communication, and understanding social cues, marking significant progress in childhood development.
  • Evaluate how variations in results from the Sally-Anne Test can inform our understanding of autism spectrum disorders.
    • Variations in results from the Sally-Anne Test highlight critical differences in social cognition among individuals on the autism spectrum. Many children with autism may struggle with understanding false beliefs, often resulting in incorrect responses during the test. These findings indicate that difficulties with theory of mind may contribute to challenges in social interactions for those with autism. Recognizing these differences allows researchers and practitioners to tailor interventions that support social cognitive development for individuals facing such challenges.