7 Thinking about methods: laboratory and natural settings

In Section 6 of this course, you were introduced to some studies which set out to investigate whether animals have a Theory of Mind (ToM). Such investigations are of interest from an evolutionary psychology perspective, since they might help psychologists to understand more about how and when ToM abilities developed (in evolutionary terms) in humans, and whether such abilities are unique to humans (go back to Box 1 in Section 3 of this course, to remind yourself about evolutionary psychology). Studies of ToM abilities in animals may also inform our understanding of the extent to which ToM may be possible in the absence of language (a controversial issue within the developmental psychology literature on ToM).

As you learned in Section 6.2, Premack and Woodruff (1978) presented findings from what has since become an extremely influential and widely-discussed study. They argued that the chimpanzees in their study displayed an understanding of human goals and intentions, and that, to some extent at least, this indicated a ToM.

Figure 13 Jane Goodall interacting with a chimpanzee

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Figure 13 is a colour photograph that shows the primatologist Jane Goodall interacting with a chimpanzee. Their facial expressions are very similar.

Figure 13 Jane Goodall interacting with a chimpanzee

Premack and Woodruff’s conclusions have been challenged though, and their study, as well as other studies taking a similar approach, have led to much discussion, debate and controversy regarding the interpretation of the findings.

In this section, you will further consider some of the approaches taken by researchers, and the methodological issues that emerge, in relation to investigations of ToM in animals.