Cognition and Language Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which language theory aligns with McGrath's views on language development as a result of both innate predisposition and a supportive environment?

  • Nativist
  • Interactionist (correct)
  • Whorfian
  • Behavioural

What does the linguistic relativity hypothesis predict about people's ability to think in relation to language?

  • Language development consistently lags behind cognitive development.
  • People will have difficulty thinking about things they cannot describe in words. (correct)
  • People in all cultures think alike, despite their language differences.
  • Language and thought develop independently.

What concept do bilingual individuals tend to score higher in compared to monolingual individuals?

  • Selective attention
  • Cognitive rigidity
  • Metalinguistic awareness (correct)
  • Language processing speed

Which factor is associated with bilingual individuals in the context of cognitive tasks?

<p>Higher cognitive flexibility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Garret's ability to distinguish colors he cannot name suggest about the relationship between language and thought?

<p>The linguistic relativity hypothesis does not accurately reflect the link between thought and language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for the discontinuation of studies aimed at teaching chimpanzees to speak?

<p>The chimps could not physically produce human speech sounds. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What implication does finding a culture with many words for rice have on the linguistic relativity hypothesis?

<p>It would support the linguistic relativity hypothesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What have studies indicated about the ability of chimpanzees and bonobos to learn nonverbal language?

<p>They can learn and combine words similarly to humans. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Greeno's problem types, which of the following requires a problem solver to discover the relations among the parts?

<p>Inducing structure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Dr. Phranal’s study, what outcome is expected regarding bilingual participants' scores in cognitive flexibility?

<p>Bilinguals score higher in cognitive flexibility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category does series-completion problems belong to in Greeno's classification of problem types?

<p>Inducing structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of understanding does Kanzi demonstrate by differentiating commands regarding pouring drinks?

<p>Understanding of both syntax and semantics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of problem is exemplified by the analogy 'Glove is to hand as sock is to _____'?

<p>Inducing structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the interactionist theory imply about language development?

<p>It arises from the interplay of innate abilities and environmental influences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theory do Pinker and Bloom propose regarding language?

<p>Language is an evolutionary adaptation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do bilingual individuals generally perform in selective attention compared to monolinguals?

<p>They perform similarly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of problem is defined by the requirement to reorganize letters to form a meaningful word?

<p>arrangement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which problem-solving strategy is exemplified by someone who enjoys solving anagrams?

<p>arrangement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sudden realization of a solution after previous incorrect attempts?

<p>insight (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct classification for the Tower of Hanoi puzzle?

<p>problem of transformation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the approach to solving numerical problems?

<p>Focus on determining relevant information first. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Functional fixedness could be best described as:

<p>seeing objects in terms of their traditional use only (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these represents a misconception about insight when solving problems?

<p>Insight always results in accuracy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When organizing disks in the Tower of Hanoi, what type of thinking is primarily required?

<p>sequential transformations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of language according to the theory presented?

<p>Acquire information about the world second-hand (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options is NOT considered an evolutionary advantage of language?

<p>More rapid classical conditioning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many generations would it take for Neanderthals to become extinct due to a 1 percent difference in mortality rates caused by language acquisition?

<p>30 generations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the acquisition of language resulted in 1 percent more offspring per generation, how long would it take to see a prevalence increase from 0.1 percent to 99.9 percent?

<p>4,000 generations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Skinner, children learn language primarily through which process?

<p>Imitation followed by reinforcement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does a child's pronunciation improve over time according to learning theory?

<p>Parents demand better pronunciation for reinforcement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist would most likely agree with Dr. Prasad's belief about reinforcement determining language mastery?

<p>B.F. Skinner (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism directed at the behaviorist model of language acquisition?

<p>Expectations for imitation of all sentences are unreasonable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Roberto's use of 'red' for every car illustrate?

<p>overextension (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the frequent occurrence of overextensions in children's language imply?

<p>Toddlers must rely on a very limited vocabulary to express themselves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When a child mistakenly uses a word for a smaller group than it is intended for, what is this called?

<p>underextension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior illustrates underextension by a 3-year-old?

<p>only using the word 'kitty' for her own cat (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Annie's phrase 'No eat. No like.' demonstrate?

<p>telegraphic speech (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Owen's remark 'Baby throw. Baby bad.' illustrate?

<p>telegraphic speech (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the emergence of telegraphic speech across cultures?

<p>The emergence of telegraphic speech is a cross-cultural, universal aspect of language development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What error occurs when a child uses the word 'cat' exclusively for her pet but not for other cats?

<p>underextension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do infants' first words typically resemble?

<p>The sounds that are easy to produce (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would you find if you compared adult speech to the noises made by infants under six months of age?

<p>Adults can produce a greater variety of phonemes than infants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be true about the babbling of 12-month-old infants from different racial/ethnic backgrounds?

<p>Each infant's babbling will sound uniquely similar to their native language (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the study about babbling in the manual mode suggest?

<p>Babbling is crucial for language development across modalities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If infants learning sign language show manual babbling, what does it imply?

<p>Babbling relates to language acquisition in all forms, not just vocal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age do children generally start to speak their first words?

<p>10 to 13 months (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation might indicate a language development problem in a child?

<p>A 2-year-old struggles to use single words (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of babbling in infants?

<p>It consists primarily of sounds easily produced (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Infants' first words

Infants' first words tend to be similar across languages and often involve sounds that are easy to produce, mirroring the sounds in their babbling.

Infant vs. Adult Phonemes

Infants produce more phonemes (basic speech sounds) than adults.

Babbling across cultures

Infants from different backgrounds (e.g., Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian) will have distinct babbling patterns that reflect their native language, not just maturation.

Manual Babbling

Deaf infants who learn sign language exhibit manual babbling, demonstrating that babbling is crucial for general language development, not just spoken language development.

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First words - age

Infants typically speak their first words between 10 and 13 months of age.

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Language development problem

A language development problem is suspected if a child's grammar use significantly falls short of typical 75-80% accuracy by the age of 3.

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Phonemes

Basic speech sounds.

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Morphemes

The smallest units of meaning in a language.

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Overextension

Using a word to describe a wider range of objects or actions than it typically represents.

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Underextension

Using a word to describe a narrower range of objects or actions than it typically represents.

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Telegraphic Speech

A type of simplified speech, often seen in toddlers, using only essential words.

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Overextension vs Comprehension

Overextensions are more common in a child's word production than in their word comprehension. This shows how quickly vocabulary grows.

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Telegraphic Speech Universality

The use of telegraphic speech is a common and typical part of language development across different cultures.

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Features of Telegraphic Speech

It's characterized by short, basic sentences, keeping only essential words for conveying meaning.

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Toddler word error (Underextension)

Using a word too narrowly or for only a very specific set of objects.

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Two-word utterances

A two-word sentence that conveys a complete meaning. Often observed in toddlers' speech.

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Bilingualism and Metalinguistic Awareness

Bilingual individuals tend to have a stronger understanding of language structure and rules compared to monolinguals. This is called metalinguistic awareness.

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Bilingualism and Cognitive Skills

Bilingualism has been linked to enhanced cognitive flexibility (adapting to different situations) and selective attention (focusing on relevant information).

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Chimpanzee Language Studies

Early attempts to teach chimpanzees to speak were unsuccessful due to their physical limitations. Chimpanzees lack the vocal cords necessary to produce human sounds.

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Nonverbal Language in Chimpanzees

Studies have shown that chimpanzees and bonobos can learn sign language and use communication boards. They can understand and use basic word combinations.

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Kanzi and Language Understanding

The bonobo Kanzi demonstrates understanding of both the order of words (syntax) and their meanings (semantics).

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Language as an Adaptation

Pinker and Bloom argue that language is an evolved trait that provides a significant survival advantage.

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Bilingual Vocabulary

Bilinguals have a larger overall vocabulary than monolinguals, even if they are not fluent in either language individually.

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Bilingualism and Language Processing

While bilinguals may take longer to process language initially, they are ultimately better at switching between languages and understanding complex sentences.

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Language - Evolutionary Advantage

Language may have given early humans advantages in hunting, gathering, protecting themselves, and communicating complex ideas, potentially contributing to their survival and reproduction.

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Language - Second-hand Info

Language enables us to acquire information about the world from others, rather than solely through our own experiences.

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Language Spread - Small Advantage

Even a small advantage in offspring per generation due to language could lead to a significant increase in its prevalence over time.

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Language Spread - Neanderthal Extinction

If language provided a small advantage in survival, it could have contributed to the extinction of Neanderthals, even with only a slightly higher survival rate for humans.

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Skinner's Theory of Language

Skinner believed that children learn language primarily through imitation and reinforcement, where correct usage is rewarded and incorrect usage is corrected.

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Pronunciation Improvement - Learning Theory

According to learning theory, a child's pronunciation improves over time because parents reinforce correct pronunciation, leading to gradual refinement.

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Behaviourist Model - Criticism

Critics argue that the behaviourist model doesn't adequately explain how children learn complex grammatical structures, as it relies heavily on imitation and reinforcement, which may not fully account for the vast range of sentences children can generate.

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Dr. Prasad's View - Language Acquisition

Dr. Prasad's belief that reinforcement shapes language skills aligns with B.F. Skinner's behaviourist theory, emphasizing the role of experience and feedback in language development.

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Interactionist Theory

This theory proposes that language development is influenced by both innate abilities and environmental factors, highlighting the role of social interaction in acquiring language.

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Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis

This hypothesis suggests that language influences thought, meaning the way we think is affected by the language we speak. If something is hard to describe in words, it may be harder to think about.

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Social Communication Theory

This theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction in language development. Children learn language through interaction with others.

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Inducing Structure Problems

These problems require the problem solver to discover the relationships between different parts of a problem. The solution involves recognizing patterns and organizing information.

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Transformation Problems

These problems involve applying a series of steps or actions to change the state of something. The solution lies in understanding the correct sequence of actions.

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Series Completion Problem

A type of problem where you need to identify the missing element in a sequence by recognizing the pattern or rule governing the series.

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Arrangement Problem

These problems involve rearranging objects or elements to achieve a specific goal. The solution depends on finding the optimal arrangement.

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Ill-Defined Problem

These problems lack a clear goal, specific rules, or defined solution path. They often involve real-life situations with multiple possible solutions.

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Problem of Transformation

A problem where the solution involves changing the state of an object or system to reach a desired goal. This involves a series of steps or actions that modify the initial state.

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Problem of Inducing Structure

A problem where you need to identify a pattern or rule that governs a set of elements. You need to discover the underlying structure to solve it.

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Analogy Problem

A problem that asks you to find a relationship between two things, similar to how another pair of things are related.

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Insight

Suddenly understanding the solution to a problem after struggling with it. It's often a 'aha!' moment.

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Functional Fixedness

The tendency to only see an object's usual function and not consider other potential uses. This can hinder problem-solving.

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Relevant Information

When solving problems with numbers, it is important to first identify which information is necessary to solve the problem.

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Problem Solving Strategies

Different approaches used to solve problems, including trial and error, algorithms, heuristics, and insight.

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Study Notes

Cognition

  • Cognition refers to mental processes involved in acquiring and using knowledge.

Cognitive Revolution

  • The "cognitive revolution" in the 1950s was spurred by dissatisfaction with the limitations of behaviorism and a renewed interest in introspection.

Language Characteristics

  • Language is characterized by being symbolic, generative (infinite variety of messages), rule-governed, and structured (organized rules governing word arrangement).

Language Functions

  • Language is symbolic, representing ideas, things, and actions.
  • Language is generative, enabling the creation of new messages combining symbols.
  • Language is rule-governed, following grammatical structures to create meaningful sentences.
  • Language is structured, using rules to arrange words into meaningful phrases and sentences.

Phonemes and Morphemes

  • Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language.
  • Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning in a language.
  • The number of phonemes can vary between languages and within a language (different pronunciations).
  • A change in the number of morphemes often accompanies a change in the meaning of a word (e.g., "boat" has more than one morpheme than "oat").

Language Development

  • Children's language development follows distinct stages and patterns.
  • Language acquisition is influenced by both nature (innate predisposition) and nurture (environmental factors).
  • Children acquire language through a combination of interactions, imitation, and reinforcement.
  • Early language development often involves basic word combinations (telegraphic speech).
  • A significant aspect of language development is the process of overgeneralizing grammatical rules, leading to forms like "goed" or "runned".

Language and Thought

  • Linguistic relativity (Sapir-Whorf hypothesis): Language can shape thought processes and perspectives. The structure of a language can influence the ways individuals conceptualize and interact with the world.

Problem Solving

  • When encountering a problem, individuals may use different strategies like trial and error, algorithms, heuristics, or mental sets.
  • Functional fixedness is the tendency to perceive objects or tools only in their customary way, hindering problem-solving efforts.
  • Incubation effect: Taking a break from a problem can sometimes lead to the emergence of novel ideas and solutions.
  • A heuristic is a general strategy or rule of thumb used to solve problems efficiently. Algorithms are a set of specific steps guaranteed to lead to a solution if followed correctly.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts related to cognition and language, including the cognitive revolution and the characteristics of language. Learn about the fundamental components of language such as phonemes and morphemes, and how they contribute to communication. This quiz provides a comprehensive understanding of mental processes and language functions.

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