Noam Chomsky argues that babies acquire language

a. because humans are born with the ability to learn language.

b. when caregivers speak softly to infants
c. by watching adults interact.
d. by repeated exposure to sounds that have meaning.

Which of the following is NOT an example of language acquisition from a behaviorist perspective?
a. Babies learn language by repeatedly associating the object 'dog' with the word 'dog.'
b. Babies learn language by imitating adult patterns of speech.
c. Babies are born with an innate ability to learn language.
d. Babies are rewarded for attempts at speech when their caregivers smile and applaud their efforts.

Language acquisition
a. is best understood by watching animals communicate.
b. Is a theory that is agreed upon the psychological community
c. cannot happen among the deaf community.
d. is the process by which we learn to communicate in meaningful ways.

Linguist Noam Chomsky believes that

a. those who understand the universal grammar learn languages faster
b. everyone shares a universal grammar, except for isolated cultures
c. everyone shares a universal grammar hard-wired into their brains
d. everyone learns a universal grammar
When young children begin to learn standard grammar, they tend to over regularize it. What does this
mean
a. They consistently use correct grammar in virtually every sentence.
b. They excessively regulate or control what they say to the point that they become inhibited.
c. They assume that common syntax rules apply in all situations.
d. none of the above

behaviorism is a theory by
a. B.F. Skinner c. Jerome Brunner
b. Noam Chomsky d. Uri Broffenbrenner
Someone who subscribes to the Interactionist theory would probably disagree with which of the following
statements?

a. A child who socializes more will learn language faster

b. Parents directing “babytalk” at their child can speed development
c. A child who does not want to communicate will learn slowly than one who does
d. Identical twin who are separated at birth will still have identical language acquisition

Part of the reason that the language acquisition debate continues is that it is difficult to prove one theory
over another. Which of the following is not an obstacle to proving a language acquisition theory?

a. In reality, we probably use some of each theory in order to learn our native language
b. Language acquisition has a critical period in early life, and it is difficult to conduct experiments
with such young children
c. We don’t know which parts of the brain are active during language acquisition
d. The theories are not distinct enough from each other to be able to completely rule one out

Which of the following is not a critique of the learning theory?

a. Language is far more complicated than tying a shoe
b. Phrases like “daddy shoe” could not be learned passively
c. If children learned only through repetition, there would be no new sentences
 d. Real dialogue is often unorganized and interrupted – not good for teaching

How would a nativist end this sentence: “A child learning a first language is like…

a. A bird migrating to the same spot each year, using the sun and stars as a guide
b. A computer using a pre-programmed algorithm to solve a math problem
c. A mouse running a maze trying to find cheese and avoid being shocked
d. A lone wolf trying to join a new pack

In order to test language acquisition theory, a scientist has children listen to the following phrases.
According to Nativists, which sentence should bother them the least?

a. Ball the he threw c. He go to the store for milk

b. The worples brimbled in the lorten d. Put toy basket

Which of these would support the theory that language development in humans is innate?
a. The lack of syntax in some languages
b. Language seems to be acquired naturally by children.
c. Some cultures acquire language earlier and easier than others.
d. The presence of language in most animal species.

Every time young Haley says the word 'teddy,' she is given her favorite stuffed bear, which reinforces her
understanding and continued use of the word for getting the toy. According to behaviorist theory, this is an
example of:

a. Conditioned stimulus c. Operant Conditioning

b. Classical conditioning d. Information processing

The presence of language in most animal species.

What is the LASS?

a. A hypothetical construct which allows children to recognize rules of grammar
b. A system which contains contextual information including the techniques used by adults to
convey meaning
c. A genetic predisposition for language acquirement
d. A biological mechanism driving acquisition

What is the primary difference between Piaget and Vygotsky's theories of language development?

a. Vygotsky was concerned with early language development while Piaget was concerned with later
language development
b. Piaget argued thought depends on language while Vygotsky argued language depends on thought
c. Vygotsky argued thought depends on language while Piaget argued thought follows language
d. Vygotsky argued thought depends on language while Piaget argued language depends on thought