Language Development: Over/Underextension

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is underextension?

Child uses a word in a very restricted way.

What is overextension?

Child uses a word to refer to several different but related things.

Who said there were two types of overextension?

Rescorla (1980)

What is categorical overextension?

<p>When a word is used to refer to things in a similar category.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is analogical overextension?

<p>When a word is used to refer to things that aren't clearly in the same category but have some physical or functional relation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying

Study Notes

Definitions

Underextension: A child's limited use of a word, applying it strictly to a specific item or instance. For example, using "hat" exclusively for their own hat rather than all hats.
Overextension: A child's broad application of a word to several different but related items. For instance, using "cat" to label all four-legged animals, including foxes.

Theorist

Rescorla (1980): Identified two distinct types of overextension in child language development.

Types of Overextension

Categorical Overextension: A word is applied to items within the same category. For example, "car" is used for buses, trucks, and all other four-wheeled vehicles, making it the most prevalent type.
Analogical Overextension: A word is applied to items that may not belong to the same category but share some form of physical or functional connection. For example, a child refers to anything related to the head as a "hat."

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.