Language Acquisition
Not what you're looking for?
Do you agree more with Chomsky's perspective that language is acquired through innate ability (language acquisition device), or Skinner's perspective that language is a learned behavior that gets conditioned and reinforced?
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
In this solution, the plausibility of Chomsky's perspective that language is acquired through innate ability (language acquisition device is compared to Skinner's perspective that language is a learned behavior that gets conditioned and reinforced. It includes an article that continues the comparison between Skinner and Chomsky's views on language acquisition, as well as references.
Solution Preview
Please see response below , which is also attached for active links (see Posting 139648.doc). I also attached a supplementary article that expands further on the ideas included in the response. I hope this helps and take care.
RESPONSE:
1. Do you agree more with Chomsky's perspective that language is acquired through innate ability (language acquisition device), or Skinner's perspective that language is a learned behavior that gets conditioned and reinforced?
This question is tapping the debate of nature (innate) versus nurture (learned) controversy, and there is at least some consensus that language acquisition is a little of both. Which one makes most sense to you? Where do you position yourself? Or, do you want to argue that taken together they make the most sense (Piaget and Bruner's later interactionist theories - see links in the attached response for further discussion).
Skinner is a behavioural psychologist and Chomsky a linguist, so their branches of science are different; thus, opposing language acquisition theories. Let's take a closer look at ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Brain and behaviour
Reviews areas of the brain involved in specific behaviours. This information is important for introductory psychology courses.
Theories of Work Motivation
This quiz tests the student's understanding of the major theories of work motivation from an organizational behavior perspective.
V Axis Diagnostic Tool
It's important for all therapists to know what the V Axis Diagnostic tool is and how to use it. This quiz should be taken by learners who are not familiar with the V Axis Diagnostic Tool or who need to refresh their knowledge.
Health Psychology
This quiz speaks to the general concepts, themes, and terminology associated with the field of health psychology.
Developmental Psychology
This quiz explores the concepts, theories and key terminology associated with human psychological development.