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More Evidence for Perceptual Access Reasoning Theory: Reply to Schidelko and Rakoczy (2025)
1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University.
Cognitive Science
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Children develop representational theory of mind (ToM) later than previously thought. New findings support Perceptual Access Reasoning (PAR) theory over the standard model for explaining true belief task errors in children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Theory of Mind Research
Background:
- The standard model posits representational theory of mind (ToM) acquisition by age 4.
- Perceptual Access Reasoning (PAR) theory challenges this, suggesting development around age 7.
- True belief (TB) task errors are key to differentiating these models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the Perceptual Access Reasoning (PAR) account of children's true belief (TB) task errors against a pragmatic account.
- To evaluate competing models of theory of mind (ToM) development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of preregistered predictions and publicly available data from a study testing PAR theory.
- Comparison of empirical findings with the predictions of the standard model and PAR theory.
Main Results:
- The study's preregistered predictions were not confirmed.
- Publicly available data contradicted the authors' claims and supported the PAR account of TB errors.
- Findings indicate that representational ToM may develop later than age 4.
Conclusions:
- The results challenge the standard model of ToM development.
- Evidence supports the Perceptual Access Reasoning (PAR) theory regarding the timing of representational ToM acquisition.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the nuances of ToM development in children.
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