AP Psychology: Language and Language Acquisition Quiz

What are the basic sounds that make up language called?

• Morphemes

• Semantics

• Phonemes

• Syntax

Which of the following is the smallest unit of meaning in language?

• Syntax

• Grammar

• Morphemes

• Phonemes

What does surface structure semantics refer to?

• The underlying meaning of a sentence

• The literal meaning of words

• The evolution of language

• The cultural context of language

According to Noam Chomsky, what innate ability do humans have for language learning?

• Language acquisition device

• Fast mapping

• Language reinforcement

• Linguistic determinism

Which theory suggests that language is learned through association and reinforcement?

• Nativist theory

• Behaviorist theory

• Universal grammar theory

• Cognitive theory

At what stage do infants start making sounds like 'ba' and 'da'?

• Telegraphic speech stage

• Cooing stage

• Babbling stage

• One-word stage

What is the term for when children use one word to express a larger meaning?

• Fast mapping

• Hollow phrase

• Telegraphic speech

• Over-generalization

What is fast mapping in language acquisition?

• The ability to learn new words quickly

• The transition from babbling to words

• The use of two-word phrases

• The incorrect use of grammar rules

What are critical periods in language development?

• Times when language learning is discouraged

• Times when language learning is impossible

• Times when language learning is easiest

• Times when language learning is most crucial

Why is it important to expose children to language early?

• To prevent over-generalization

• To take advantage of sensitive periods

• To make language learning more difficult

• To ensure they learn multiple languages