Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

At what level of perspective taking can a child understand that others may think differently than themselves?

1. Level 0

2. Level 1

3. Level 2

4. Level 3

The correct answer is: Level 2

The ability for a child to understand that others may think differently from themselves is associated with Level 2 of perspective taking. At this stage, typically around ages 4 to 6, children begin to recognize that others have different thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. This development marks a significant leap in social cognition, as they move beyond their own perspective and start considering the viewpoints of others. Level 1 is more about understanding that others have thoughts and feelings, but it does not yet encompass the nuance of recognizing that those thoughts and feelings may differ from their own. Levels 0 and 3 focus on different aspects of perspective taking, with Level 0 indicating a lack of awareness regarding others' perspectives, and Level 3 introducing more complex understanding, where children can see how multiple perspectives interact and influence each other. In summary, Level 2 is the point at which children first grasp the concept that others can have different thoughts, making it the correct answer for this question.