Four-year-old Daniel is presented with the story of Holly in one of Selman's perspective-taking exercises. Daniel says that he would not save the kitten because he has allergies to kittens and that his father would not save the kitten because he probably has allergies, too. Which of Selman's stages does this type of thinking represent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Level 0, or "egocentric" or "undifferentiated" perspective-taking, is characterized by the inability to distinguish between one's own perspective and that of others. Daniel's response indicates he is applying his own feelings and situation (allergies to kittens) to his father, showing an undifferentiated perspective.

Four-Year-Old Daniel Is Presented with the Story of Holly in One