False belief competence refers to a child's ability to understand that others can hold beliefs that are different from their own and that these beliefs can be incorrect. This cognitive skill is crucial for social interactions and moral reasoning, particularly in how children attribute blame to others.

Research indicates that children typically begin to develop false belief understanding around the age of 4 to 5. This development is significant because it influences how they interpret the intentions and actions of others. When children possess false belief competence, they are more likely to consider the perspective of the person involved in an action before attributing blame. They can recognize that someone may have acted with a different intention or belief, which can mitigate the level of blame they assign.

For instance, if a child understands that a peer mistakenly broke a toy while trying to help, they may be less likely to blame the peer for the accident compared to a child who lacks this understanding. This ability to differentiate between intention and outcome is critical in developing empathy and social relationships.

In summary, false belief competence affects children's attribution of blame by enabling them to consider others' perspectives and intentions, leading to more nuanced and empathetic responses in social situations.

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