What cognitive ability is illustrated when children anticipate their friend's false beliefs about the contents of a box?

The concept exemplified by children anticipating their friend's false beliefs about the contents of a box is known as theory of mind. Theory of mind refers to the ability to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and intentions that may differ from one's own. This developmental milestone typically emerges around the age of four or five, allowing children to grasp that people can hold false beliefs about the world.

In this scenario, when children infer what their friend thinks about the box's contents—despite knowing it to be different—they are demonstrating an understanding of another person's perspective, which is a key component of theory of mind. It illustrates cognitive growth in recognizing that others can have mental states that do not necessarily align with reality. This ability is crucial for social interactions, as it aids in communication, empathy, and navigating complex social situations.

The other options represent different cognitive functions: logical reasoning pertains to the ability to make inferences based on premises; empathy involves recognizing and responding to the emotions of others; and concrete operational thought, a stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, focuses on logical thinking about concrete events but does not inherently include understanding beliefs.