Brief Description

The test consists of 6 short scenarios that depict an interaction between two individuals. In each scenario, one of the individuals makes an indirect remark (implicature) directed at the other. The participant reads the scenario and is then asked to explain what the speaker really meant—interpreting the implicature expressed. The evaluation is based on the participant’s ability to understand indirect verbal statements and accurately interpret the speaker’s intent.

Purpose

The purpose of the test is to examine Theory of Mind and pragmatic language comprehension in individuals with social or cognitive deficits, such as those found in schizophrenia or frontotemporal dementia. Understanding implicatures is a key component of social cognition and the ability to interpret others’ intentions in everyday situations.

Scoring Method

Each correct answer is awarded 2 points. If the participant either does not respond or gives a literal or unclear answer, a clarifying question is posed (e.g., “By saying this, what is X trying to get Y to do?”). If a correct answer is provided after the clarification, 1 point is awarded. The maximum total score is the sum of the partial scores across all 6 scenarios.

Validity

The test’s validity is currently under development. Although its theoretical basis is grounded in internationally recognized Theory of Mind assessment standards, empirical research is still needed to establish its construct and content validity.

Reliability

The reliability of the task is also under development. Studies are planned to assess internal consistency and conduct test-retest measurements to evaluate the stability of results over time and across different populations.

Data Analysis and Use

The test can be used for the clinical evaluation of social perception and empathy, as well as for detecting deficits in the processing of indirect language. It is valuable in the diagnostic assessment of psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders and in research settings investigating the linguistic and cognitive aspects of Theory of Mind.

References

Corcoran, R., Mercer, G., & Frith, C. D. (1995). Schizophrenia, symptomatology and social inference: investigating theory of mind in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research, 17, 5–13.