Document Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Theory of the Mind is the ability to infer what other people are feeling and thinking based on observing them. On average, females tend to have slightly superior Theory of Mind (ToM) abilities (Baron-Cohen, 1995). We tested the hypothesis that ToM would be affected by estrogen levels. Specifically, we measured women before and after starting the use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives and found that they did not perform statistically better after taking oral contraceptives. These results provide no support for the hypothesis that estrogen is the driving force behind the sex difference in ToM.
Publication Date
2003
Journal Title
Conference Proceedings: Undergraduate Social Science Research Conference
Volume
7
Issue
1
First Page
249
Last Page
250
Copyright
©2003 by the University of Northern Iowa
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Publisher
University of Northern Iowa
City
Cedar Falls, IA
Recommended Citation
Renfrow, Alissa R.; Ruley, Cassandra L.; Decker, Jon; Trcka, Sara; and DeSoto, M. Catherine
(2003)
"The Possible Role of Hormones in the Theory of Mind,"
Conference Proceedings: Undergraduate Social Science Research Conference: Vol. 7:
Iss.
1, Article 49.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/csbsproceedings/vol7/iss1/49
