TOM

Please note that this product can only be administered if you have a valid Vienna Test System administration software license for VTS online or a local VTS version 8.2.00 or higher.

Field of Application+

Detailed Description+

Assesses Theory of Mind.
Theory of Mind describes the ability to put oneself in another person’s position and make assumptions about that person’s feelings, thoughts, intentions, wishes or motives.
Theory of Mind is a key facet of social cognition and one that is important for complex communication. It may be impaired in mental disorders or as a result of neurological disease. In consequence, the TOM is used in clinical neuropsychology.

Test forms+

S1: Standard form A S2: Standard form B – parallel test form
S3: Short form A
S4: Short form B – parallel test form

Task+

Four pictures that tell a story are presented in random order: the testee must arrange them to form a meaningful sequence. If the testee arranges the pictures incorrectly, this is indicated and the correct sequence is shown. Once the pictures are in the correct order, questions are asked about the likely intentions and thoughts of the people depicted. Both aspects of the Theory of Mind are therefore tested: arranging the pictures tests understanding of social interaction, while the questions test recognition of other people’s probable intentions and thoughts.

Dimensions+

Languages+

Duration+

approx. 18-30 minutes, depending on test form

Age+

Norms for ages 17+.

Test administration+