Abstract
To successfully pull a practical joke, children need to understand that their victims do not know what they know, be able to intentionally manipulate others’ beliefs, and maintain a straight face to safeguard the integrity of the joke. This study examined the relationship between children’s developing theory of mind (ToM), inhibitory control, and their ability to pull a practical joke. Results from 95 children between ages 2 and 6 showed that children’s ability to pull a practical joke was significantly related to their age, false belief understanding, inhibitory control, and verbal ability. In addition, inhibitory control mediated the relation between false belief understanding and practical joking. The findings demonstrated that practical joking is inherently effortful. Copyright © 2021 AERA21.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - Apr 2021 |
| Event | 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting of American Educational Research Association: "Accepting Educational Responsibility" - , United States Duration: 08 Apr 2021 → 12 Apr 2021 https://www.aera.net/Events-Meetings/2021-Annual-Meeting |
Conference
| Conference | 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting of American Educational Research Association: "Accepting Educational Responsibility" |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | AERA 2021 |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| Period | 08/04/21 → 12/04/21 |
| Internet address |
Citation
Wang, Z., & Wang, L. (2021, April). Little pranksters: Inhibitory control mediates the relationship between false belief understanding and practical joking in young children [Virtual]. Paper presented at the 2021 American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting (AERA21): Accepting Educational Responsibility, USA.UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being