Sally-Anne Test

The Sally-Anne Test is a psychological experiment used to assess whether a person understands that others can hold beliefs different from their own and from reality. In the test, Sally places a ball in a basket and leaves the room. While she’s away, Anne moves the ball to a box. When Sally returns, the person being tested is asked where Sally will look for the ball. Typically, understanding that Sally holds a false belief that the ball is still in the basket indicates good theory of mind—the ability to recognize others’ perspectives and beliefs.