Is cultural variation the norm? A closer look at sequencing of the theory of mind scale

Wellman and Liu’s (2004) ToM scale canonized efforts to generate a developmentally nuanced understanding of ToM. Further elaboration has come from studies showing some variability in task sequencing across two broad categories culture (i.e., ‘Collectivist’, ‘Individualist’). The current study contributes our by exploring intra-cultural variation for Turkish sample. scale, language, EF tasks were administered 366 preschoolers. When analyzed as single group, preschoolers showed sequence most consistent with Chinese/Iranian samples. However, when children grouped according age, 3-year-olds similar the US/Australian samples, 4-year-olds 5-year-olds new where knowledge access was easiest. analyzes suggest that alone related differences sequencing. Current findings imply explaining may require considering interactive effects cognitive abilities.