A GAME-THEORETIC APPROACH TO DETECTING CHANGES IN THEORY OF MIND

摘要

Theory of Mind generally refers to the ability to interpret others' beliefs, intentions, and emotions. In order to participate in adaptive social interactions, individuals must be capable of inferring others' goals based on observed behavior. Theory of Mind, however, is often impaired in conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Multiplayer games as described herein allow one to assess Theory of Mind with a model that accounts for cooperative and non-cooperative behaviors. The administration of the autism-relevant neuropeptide vasopressin may increase players' tendency to cooperate, and games that take into account both cooperative and non-cooperative behavior may then be used as a tool for measuring treatment effects on Theory of Mind in ASD.