Relationship Between Theory of Mind and Judgement Based on Intention in 4–7 Y.O. Children

In this research we compare the ability to take into account the intent in moral judgement with the level of Theory of Mind (ToM) in Typically Developing children (4 to 7 y.o.). In the first test we evaluated the moral algebra: combination of intent and consequence. Children had to judge social interactions between two characters in four situations: intentional harm, attempted harm, accidental harm and no harm and for two levels of aggressiveness: low and high. In the second test the ToM of the participants was measured with the scale of Wellman & Liu (2004). They had to answer 7 questions measuring their ability to take the perspective of a character. The results show an effect of ToM on the ability to take into account the intention. Children with the best level of ToM were the most able to judge social interaction according to the intent of the character. In addition, this effect increases with age. The oldest children, who usually have the best scores in ToM take more intent into account and discriminate more accurately levels of aggressiveness.