Children Talk About the Mind
ISBN13: 9780195115666ISBN10: 019511566X
Paperback,
248 pages
Also available:
Hardback
Jan 1997,
In Stock
Price:
$45.00 (04)Description
The emerging concept of other people is a critical phase in childhood development with deep implications for learning, language and the entire socialization process. But what, exactly, do children understand about the mind? And when does that understanding first occur? In this groundbreaking book, Karen Bartsch and Henry Wellman answer these questions and much more by looking at what children themselves have to tell us about their evolving conceptions of people and their mental lives. By examining thousands of everyday conversations the authors advance a comprehensive "naive theory of mind" that incorporates both early desire and belief-desire theories to trace childhood development through its several stages. Throughout, the book offers a splendidly written account of extensive original findings and critical new insights that will be eagerly read by students and researchers in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, philosophy, and psycholinguistics.Reviews
"This is an excellent--probably the most important--publication in the field this year." --John Flavell, Stanford University
"It is an important achievement that cannot help but influence research and theory in developmental psychology and educational practice for years to come. --Lois Bloom, Teachers College, Columbia University
About the Author(s)
Karen Bartsch, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Wyoming , and Henry M. Wellman, Professor of Psychology and Research Scientist, University of Michigan
