Abstract: Theory of Mind (ToM) is an ability, which develops throughout one’s life, to make inferences about the mental states of others. Studies about ToM have quite a few limits on the participants and its research topics. This review introduces a new paradigm, matrix game, and analyzes the feasibility of adopting it to the study of ToM. Furthermore, the theoretical basis and empirical evidences of combining ToM study and matrix game are proposed in this review. It is believed that the matrix game paradigm can be applied in a wide spectrum of ages to study the developmental trajectory of ToM in future studies. Besides, the neuro-imaging techniques such as fMRI can be introduced to explore the neural mechanism of ToM involved in matrix game.

Key words: theory of mind, matrix game, decision making, thinking