Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Methods to Explore the Influence of Top-down Visual Processes on Motor Behavior
Published on: April 16, 2014
Perspective-Taking: In Search of a Theory
Geoff G Cole1, Abbie C Millett2, Steven Samuel1
1Centre for Brain Science, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.
Abstract:
Perspective-taking has been one of the central concerns of work on social attention and developmental psychology for the past 60 years. Despite its prominence, there is no formal description of what it means to represent another's viewpoint. The present article argues that such a description is now required in the form of theory-a theory that should address a number of issues that are central to the notion of assuming another's viewpoint. After suggesting that the mental imagery debate provides a good framework for understanding some of the issues and problems surrounding perspective-taking, we set out nine points that we believe any theory of perspective-taking should consider.
Related Concept Videos
Social Cognitive Perspective on Personality
Actor-Observer Effect
Gestalt Principles of Perception
Attribution Theory
Theory of Attribution I: Correspondent Inference Theory
Attribution

