ASSESSING THEORY OF MIND WITH NONVERBAL PROCEDURES - PROBLEMS WITH TRAINING METHODS AND AN ALTERNATIVE KEY PROCEDURE

This commentary criticizes nonverbal methods of assessing theory-of-mi nd on the basis of prior training of the critical response because the y would encourage simple, nonmentalistic, associative solutions even i n subjects with mentalistic capacities. Ii propose instead a new exper imental paradigm based upon the use of spontaneous responses in less a rtificial situations. This method has already provided positive eviden ce of some level of ToM understanding in nonhuman primates.