Question

According to Skinner, children learn to speak a particular language because a. they possess an inherent ability to speak. b. they engage in imitation of what they hear. c. they have a language acquisition device. d. they get reinforcement from their parents for various utterances.

Short answer

According to Skinner, children learn language due to reinforcement (d).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Skinner's Theory on Language Acquisition

B.F. Skinner was a behaviorist who believed that language learning in children could be explained through conditioning processes such as operant conditioning. He posited that language acquisition is similar to learning any other behavior.

Identifying Key Concepts of Skinner's Theory

Skinner's theory emphasizes multiple aspects such as imitation, reinforcement, and conditioning. Unlike theories that propose innate mechanisms or biological predispositions, Skinner focuses specifically on environmental influences.

Analyzing Given Options

The options provided include inherent ability (a), imitation (b), language acquisition device (c), and reinforcement for utterances (d). Options (a) and (c) relate to innate or biological explanations which Skinner's theory does not align with. This leaves us with options (b) and (d), both relating to environmental influences.

Determining the Emphasis in Skinner's Theory

Skinner's theory places significant emphasis on reinforcement as a core component of learning. According to him, when children receive positive reinforcement for speaking correctly, they are more likely to repeat those behaviors.

Selecting the Correct Answer Based on Skinner's Theory

Option (d) states that children get reinforcement from their parents for various utterances, which directly aligns with Skinner's emphasis on reinforcement as a key factor in language learning.

Key concepts

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is a theory developed by B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in psychology. It is a form of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences. This means that actions are more likely to be repeated if they are followed by a reward, and less likely if they are followed by a punishment. In the context of language acquisition, operant conditioning suggests that children learn to speak a language by getting reinforced for their attempts to communicate.

For instance, if a child says "milk," and a parent responds with positive reinforcement, such as praise or providing milk, the child is more likely to continue using the word. This process shows how language can develop with positive feedback.

• Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding a child for speaking correctly encourages them to use language more frequently.
• Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant when a child speaks correctly also increases desired behavior, though typically positive reinforcement is emphasized.
• Punishment: Discouraging incorrect use of language, though this is less emphasized in language learning.

This theory highlights how crucial positive interactions and reinforcements can be in the early stages of language learning.

Behaviorism in Language Learning

Behaviorism, as championed by Skinner, is a theory that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal processes like thoughts or emotions. In language learning, behaviorism suggests that language acquisition is a result of a child's interaction with their environment.

According to this theory, language is learned through imitation and feedback. Children hear words and phrases and try to replicate them. Their attempts are then shaped by reinforcement from others, particularly caregivers or parents. This differs significantly from theories suggesting innate linguistic capabilities, as behaviorism does not assume any built-in language structure present at birth.

• Imitation: Children repeat what they hear, which is a foundation of learning in behaviorism.
• Feedback: Positive or negative responses from others help refine a child's language use.
• Environment: Learning is heavily influenced by the child's surroundings and interactions.

Behaviorism thus underscores the importance of the child's environment and social interactions in learning to communicate effectively.

Environmental Influences on Learning

Environmental influences play a key role in the behaviorist perspective of language acquisition. This viewpoint suggests that a child's environment provides the stimuli necessary for learning. The language a child hears and the responses they receive are essential in shaping their ability to communicate.

Parents and caregivers serve as central figures who provide consistent interactions, offering vocabulary, sentence structures, and contextual cues that children need to pick up language. The environment is not just physical but also social. Children learn patterns of speech, tone, and rhythm from those around them, adapting their speech based on environmental feedback.

• Interaction with Caregivers: Regular back-and-forth interactions help refine a child's language skills.
• Repetitive Exposure: Hearing consistent language patterns helps form linguistic understanding.
• Social Context: Engaging in conversations and observing others speaks to the environmental basis of language learning.

This approach to language learning strongly emphasizes the power of external factors, implying that language proficiency comes from adapting to and learning from one's environment.