SLP 329 CH 2 RELFECTION QS

Explain the differences between the Generativist/Nativist and Constructionist models of language with regard to the brain.

-Nativist (nurture): children are born with a brain designed for learning and the ability to organize language. -Constructivist Approach (nature): language is used from learning and social interactions.

main points continued

-Piagetian cognitive learning theory involves the formation of concepts or schemes and adaptation or the comparing of these schemes with incoming information -adaptation consists of two subprocesses: assimilation, in which incoming information confirms the scheme, and accommodation, in which the scheme must be modified to conform to incoming information -there are four goals of child language research to confirm general linguistic principles to discover principles of language development to clarify the relationship of language to develop in other areas, such as cognition to provide a more or less theoretical description of language development -research requires: data collection, same size and variability, naturalness and representativeness of the data, and collection. and analysis procedures -the goals of cross-language studies are determine what aspects of language are universal determine whether development is the result of universal cognitive development or unique linguistic knowledge identify underlying language-learning strategies

Main point

-generativists/nativists assume that children learn a language with aid of innate rules or principles related to the structure of human language -generativists/nativists characterize language as a set of abstract algebraic rules and a set of meaningful linguistic elements or words that children learn and then link back to language universals -interactionalists assume that children learn language from the input to which they are exposed using general brain processes \n interactionalists believe language structure emerges from language use -constructionists characterize language as a set of meaningful rules that emerges slowly from language use -learning theories focus on the effects of learning on behavior, on the cognitive underpinnings of learning, and on the social context for learning

Discussion

-human brains are specialized for analyzing sequential information such as language, it reflects brain functioning -language is not just an imitation of the language that surrounds the child; it also works for the child

Conclusion

-not all linguists adhere strictly to one theoretical construct but prefer to position themselves somewhere in between

How can the method of collection affect the language sample collected?

Certain linguistic elements may not be exhibited even when they are present in a child's repertoire. Some linguistic elements occur infrequently, such as passive-voice sentences, and others are optional, such as the use of pronouns. In the case of pronouns, a child who is unsure may substitute a noun instead.

Describe the different ways in which a child is assumed to learn grammar in the Generativist/Nativist and Interactionalist theories.

Generativists/nativists assume that children learn language with the aid of innate rules or principles related to the structure of human language. Generativists/Nativists characterize language as a set of abstract algebraic rules in a set of meaningful linguistic elements or words that children learn and that link back to language universals. Interactionists assume that children learn language from the input to which they are exposed using general brain processes. They also believe that language structure emerges through language use.

Explain the way in which language sample and population sample size and variability affect the data collected.

If the population sample size is too large, it can affect the language sample that is taken. This can method can be unwieldy, expensive, and time-consuming to collect. However, with a smaller population sample, it can give us more definitive data with fewer complicating variable. This method takes more time to organize, coordinating, and collecting.

Why are natural and representative language samples desired, and what are the potential problems that can interfere with collecting these types of samples?

Natural and representative language samples are desired because it is more naturalistic than controlled experimental tasks and it ensures analysis of real-life language use. A few of the potential problems that can interfere with collecting these types of samples are that the data collected may be affected by several variables such as the amount of language collected, the intelligibility of a child, and the effect of the context. There are also no set guidelines on language sampling procedures and how the results are reported

Discuss the primary areas of investigation undertaken in cross-language studies.

The primary areas of investigation that are undertaken are universality, linguistics specificity, relative difficulty, and language acquisition principles. Universality helps determine which language concepts such as nouns and verbs appear in different languages. Linguistics specificity helps determine whether development is caused by universal cognitive development or unique linguistic knowledge. Relative difficulty discusses differences in language development that can explain the ease or difficulty of learning different language. Language acquisition principles studies the concepts children use to understand and communicate language.

Compare the three types of learning theory.

The three types of learning theories are behaviorism, cognitive, and social constructivism -Behaviorism: behavioral responses/changes to environmental stimuli, learning through repetition and reinforcement for both behavior and knowledge -Cognitive: knowledge systems are constructed by learning based of preexisting cognitive structures -Social Constructivism: constructed through social interactions with a community, motivated by both internal and knowledgeable goals, have both cognitive and affective needs

Explain the two primary methods of data collection and the types of data generated by each.

The two types of data collected in expressive language development are structured testing/experimental manipulation and spontaneous conversational sampling/natural observation. Structured testing allows for more control of certain variables and lets researchers gather data that would not be achieved through natural observation. Spontaneous conversational sampling collects more naturalistic results and ensures real-life language use.