AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -B.F. Skinner suggested that language development is highly influenced by the environment in which the child grows. The concept of learning and behavior formation are the primary sources behind the development of language in children.

Detailed explanation-2: -Skinner suggested that a child imitates the language of its parents or carers. Successful attempts are rewarded because an adult who recognises a word spoken by a child will praise the child and/or give it what it is asking for. Successful utterances are therefore reinforced while unsuccessful ones are forgotten.

Detailed explanation-3: -The behaviorist theory, on the other hand, suggests that language develops as a result of certain behaviors, such as imitating what they hear and responding to the feedback they get. When a baby says “up” and a parent lifts him up, for example, the meaning of the word “up” is reinforced.

Detailed explanation-4: -THE “DEBATE" The difference between Chomsky and Skinner’s beliefs can most simply be put as such: Skinner believes that language is learned, whereas Chomsky believes that language is innate, and is simply developed.

Detailed explanation-5: -A major proponent of the idea that language depends largely on environment was the behaviorist B. F. Skinner (see pages 145 and 276 for more information on Skinner). He believed that language is acquired through principles of conditioning, including association, imitation, and reinforcement.