Language Acquisition Quiz

What is the phenomenon called when children acquire grammatical morphemes in the same order?

• Developmental sequence

• Critical Period Hypothesis

• Connectionist theory

• Habit formation

Answer explanation

The phenomenon where children acquire grammatical morphemes in a consistent order is known as the developmental sequence. This reflects a predictable pattern in language development, distinguishing it from other theories.

According to the text, children acquire morphemes in the same order but NOT at the same what?

• Time

• Rate

• Sequence

• Pattern

Answer explanation

The text states that while children acquire morphemes in the same order, they do not do so at the same rate. This means that although the sequence is consistent, the speed at which individual children learn them can vary.

Which stage of acquisition of negation involves the use of "No" or "No + something"?

• Stage 1

• Stage 2

• Stage 3

• Stage 4

What did Jim's case demonstrate about language acquisition?

• Hearing language without interaction is insufficient

• Television is a good substitute for interaction

• Language can be learned at any age

• A separate module is necessary for language learning

Answer explanation

Jim's case showed that simply hearing language, such as from media, is not enough for effective language acquisition. Interaction is crucial for developing language skills, highlighting that passive exposure is insufficient.

What do connectionists believe about language learning?

• Language input is sufficient for learning

• A separate module is necessary

• Language is learned through imitation

• Language acquisition is a matter of habit

Answer explanation

Connectionists believe that language input alone is sufficient for learning, emphasizing the role of exposure and experience rather than requiring a separate module or imitation. This aligns with the correct choice.

Which of the following is an important observation for innatists regarding language acquisition?

• Some expected errors are never made by children

• Language is learned through habit

• All acquired structures are first modeled in the input

• Language development is slower than other cognitive development

Answer explanation

Innatists argue that some expected errors, such as overgeneralization of rules, are never made by children, suggesting an innate understanding of language structure rather than mere imitation or habit.

How do parents contribute to their children's language learning?

• By directly teaching them grammar

• By correcting every mistake

• By providing a language-rich environment

• By using flashcards

Answer explanation

Parents contribute to language learning by providing a language-rich environment, which includes exposure to diverse vocabulary and conversations. This fosters natural language acquisition, unlike direct teaching or correction.

What is one key concept for Chomsky / the innatist view?

• Language can only be learned through repetition.

• We are born with a mechanism that allows us to acquire a language.

• People do not have a natural disposition to acquire a language.

• Language acquisition does not require input because we are already born with it.

Answer explanation

The innatist view, as proposed by Chomsky, suggests that we are born with an inherent mechanism for language acquisition, enabling us to learn language naturally, rather than solely through repetition or external input.

What is the significance of understanding performance and competence?

• It helps in learning new languages

• It distinguishes between language use and knowledge

• It focuses on writing skills

• It emphasizes vocabulary acquisition

Answer explanation

Understanding performance and competence is crucial as it distinguishes between language use (how language is applied) and knowledge (understanding of language rules), which is essential for effective communication.

What is the primary focus of behaviorism in psychology?

• Genetic predispositions

• Environmental influences

• Unconscious desires

• Cognitive processes

Answer explanation

Behaviorism primarily focuses on environmental influences, emphasizing how external stimuli shape behavior, rather than genetic predispositions, unconscious desires, or cognitive processes.