The Early Development of Conceptual Perspective Taking: Distinguishing among Multiple Perspectives

Abstract

MARVIN, ROBERT S.; GREENBERG, MARK T.; and MOSSLER, DANIEL G. The Early Development of Conceptual Perspective Taking: Distinguishing among Multiple Perspectives. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1976, 47, 511-514. 80 children between 2.5 and 6.5 years of age were administered a task in which they were required to distinguish among multiple conceptual points of view. The task was based on the notion of a secret, involved 3 participants, and was administered in the children's homes. Results indicated that children as young as 4 years of age could conceive of others' conceptual points of view in a non-egocentric fashion. The results were discussed in terms of the nature and context of perspective-taking tasks, and of the development of group interaction.