Logistic mixed models to investigate implicit and explicit belief tracking

Lages, M. and Scheel, A. (2016) Logistic mixed models to investigate implicit and explicit belief tracking. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1681. (doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01681)

Abstract

We investigated the proposition of a two-systems Theory of Mind in adults’ belief tracking. A sample of N = 45 participants predicted the choice of one of two opponent players after observing several rounds in an animated card game. Three matches of this card game were played and initial gaze direction on target and subsequent choice predictions were recorded for each belief task and participant. We conducted logistic regressions with mixed effects on the binary data and developed Bayesian logistic mixed models to infer implicit and explicit mentalizing in true belief and false belief tasks. Although logistic regressions with mixed effects predicted the data well a Bayesian logistic mixed model with latent task- and subject-specific parameters gave a better account of the data. As expected explicit choice predictions suggested a clear understanding of true and false beliefs (TB/FB). Surprisingly, however, model parameters for initial gaze direction also indicated belief tracking. We discuss why task-specific parameters for initial gaze directions are different from choice predictions yet reflect second-order perspective taking.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was supported by grant Erasmus+ KA2 TquanT (2015-1-UK01-KA203-013819).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lages, Dr Martin
• Authors: Lages, M., and Scheel, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Journal Name: Frontiers in Psychology
• Publisher: Frontiers Research Foundation
• ISSN: 1664-1078
• ISSN (Online): 1664-1078
• Published Online: 02 November 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Frontiers Research Foundation 7:1681
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License