Elsevier

New Ideas in Psychology

Volume 11, Issue 3, November 1993, Pages 295-325
New Ideas in Psychology

Mental models of mirror-self-recognition: Two theories

https://doi.org/10.1016/0732-118X(93)90002-UGet rights and content

Abstract

Mirror-self-recognition is usually indicated by an organism's passing the mark test—that is, wiping a mark off its face upon observing its reflection in a mirror or on a video-screen. Two theories are presented to explain mirror-self-recognition. One theory relies upon the organism making an inductive (plausible but not necessary) inference utilizing (1) mature kinesthetic-visual matching and (2) understanding of mirror-correspondence. The other theory relies upon the organism making a deductive inference, and this theory states that necessary and sufficient conditions for mirror-self-recognition are (1) fully understanding object permanence, (2) understanding mirror-correspondence, and (3) objectifying body-parts. Both theories suggest that limited self-knowledge is required for mirror-self-recognition. Available evidence supports both theories to some degree. Organisms passing the mark test may not, however, be recognizing their own images: human infants passing the mark test also attempt to wipe a mark off their face upon observing another human with a mark on its face. Passing the mark test, then, may result solely from an organism's wondering if it is similar to other organisms in having a mark on its face, with the idea that it may be similar deriving from imitation via kinesthetic-visual matching. Self-recognition is variable in different species and during human ontogeny, such that variable explanations may be required for different species and at different ages. Humans appear unique in using mirrors to create an image of themselves to conform to others' desires concerning their appearance, thereby exhibiting a “reflective self-awareness” which incorporates their awareness of another's perspective into their own self-awareness.

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