Executive function mechanisms of theory of mind.

The team ran regression models on a mixed group of kids and adults. They wanted to know which executive-function skills predict scores on different theory-of-mind tests.

They used five common ToM tasks and several EF measures. IQ was also entered as a predictor.

Each ToM test leaned on a different EF skill. For example, one test needed working memory, another needed inhibition.

Only IQ predicted the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. The other ToM tasks were driven by specific EF domains.

Granader et al. (2014) extends these findings to preschoolers with ASD. They show planning and shifting predict ToM in that age group.

Fisher et al. (2005) looks like a contradiction at first. Their training study found no transfer between EF and ToM. But the 2011 paper is about prediction, not training. The two studies ask different questions, so they do not clash.

Goldfarb et al. (2024) adds motor skills to the mix. They show EF and ToM together explain most of the social skills variance in older kids. This builds on the 2011 finding that EF and ToM are tightly linked.

Pick your ToM test based on the EF skill you want to probe. If you need to test working memory, use a false-belief task. If you need to test inhibition, use a strange-stories task. This saves time and gives clearer data.