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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.
Vision (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 5, 2020
Summary
Understanding another person's viewpoint, known as perspective-taking, lacks a formal theory. This article proposes a theoretical framework is needed to define representing another's viewpoint, drawing on mental imagery debates.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Cognition
Background:
- Perspective-taking is a key concept in social attention and developmental psychology.
- A formal definition and theoretical framework for representing another's viewpoint are currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue for the necessity of a formal theory of perspective-taking.
- To outline key issues that a comprehensive theory should address.
- To propose the mental imagery debate as a relevant framework.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis.
- Literature review on perspective-taking and mental imagery.
- Theoretical argumentation.
Main Results:
- Identified a gap in formal theoretical descriptions of perspective-taking.
- Proposed the mental imagery debate as a useful lens for understanding perspective-taking.
- Outlined nine critical points for developing a theory of perspective-taking.
Conclusions:
- A formal theory is essential for advancing the study of perspective-taking.
- Such a theory must integrate insights from related cognitive and developmental research.
- Nine key considerations are presented to guide the development of a robust theory.
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