Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair
Matthew H Scullin
Abstract
Researchers have been examining the relation between theory of mind and suggestibility with mixed results. Recently, researchers have suggested that theory of mind is not a dichotomous construct, but instead develops in a sequence (Wellman & Liu, 2004). This view, when combined with an examination suggestibility, may clarify the relation. The purpose of this study was to validate the Video Suggestibility Scale for Children (VSSC; Scullin & Ceci, 2001) and a theory of mind scale as predictors of suggestibility in an interview about an experienced and a non-experienced event. Ninety-one preschoolers, ages 3 to 5 years old, completed the 3-week study. Results indicated that the theory of mind scale aided strongly in predicting suggestibility about an experienced event in addition to the VSSC. Awareness of factors related to suggestibility is important because this can alert professionals to be cautious in their interviews with children who are "highly suggestible.".
Recommended Citation
Karpinski, Aryn C., "Theory of mind and the assessment of suggestibility in preschoolers" (2006). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 4239.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/4239