PL
Relation between executive functions and theory of mind in the light of microgenetic approachResearch of numerous international and Polish development psychologists (Carlson and Moses, 2001; Hughes, 1998; Perner and Lang, 2002; Perner, 1998; Skórska, 2004; Putko, 2004; 2008; Kielar-Turska, Białecka-Pikul and Skórska, 2006; Bazak, 2009) point to a relation between executive functions (EF) and a theory of mind (ToM). Character of this relation is subject to research and scientific disputes (Putko, 2008), but the relation remains hypothetical. Presented research concerns the relation between EF and ToM in children aged 3 to 4 i.e. the period during which both functions develop. Microgenetic approach was used to verify the hypothesis. Children with high and low level of EF were selected from 98 children aged between 3;9 and 4;3. In 10 meetings, participants were solving several types of tasks measuring ToM. Subsequently, the measurement of EF was re-performed. Results of the research confi rm the relation between EF and ToM. Besides, microgenetic approach has made it possible to observe that children aged between 3 and 4 characterised by different levels of EF development differ in acquiring abilities of mental states understanding in other people.