The findings that specific regions of the brain are involved in language processing, that only humans learn grammar readily, and that there is a critical period for learning language all support the idea
A) that language is learned primarily through imitation and reinforcement.
B) that there is an inborn grammar-learning device.
C) that children use powerful cognitive mechanisms to find recurring patterns in speech they hear.
D) that language learning takes place through social interactions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The finding that only humans learn grammar readily suggests that there is an inborn grammar-learning device. This theory, known as Universal Grammar, proposes that humans are born with an innate ability to learn grammar rules, which is supported by the fact that children all over the world learn language at a similar rate and in a similar sequence.

Answer: C
 The finding that children use powerful cognitive mechanisms to find recurring patterns in speech they hear supports the idea that language is learned through cognitive processes, rather than only through imitation and reinforcement. This theory, known as the cognitive approach to language acquisition, proposes that children actively use their cognitive abilities to identify patterns in language and develop their own grammatical rules.

Both options B and C can be considered correct as they are supported by different findings.

The Findings That Specific Regions of the Brain Are Involved