Hughes 1975 - Policeman Doll Study

Challenge to Piaget’s egocentrism findings

Method

Structured task (child-friendly)

Theory

• Criticized Piaget’s task as too abstract.

• Suggested that younger children may understand perspective if tested with a more relatable task.

Aim

To see if children could take another’s perspective in a more realistic situation.

Sample

Children aged 3.5–5 years

Procedure

• Children used a 3D model with intersecting walls and two policeman dolls.

• They were asked to hide a boy doll so neither policeman could see him.

Results

• 90% of 4-year-olds correctly hid the doll.

• Suggests children are less egocentric than Piaget believed.

Conclusion

Children can take another's perspective earlier than Piaget proposed, if the task is understandable.

Strengths

• High ecological validity → relatable scenario.

• Refines Piaget’s claims → encourages better task design.

Limitations

• Not a direct replication → harder to compare results exactly.

• Still an artificial task → not a natural social interaction.