Question 1

The theory that language acquisition follows the principles of reinforcement and conditioning is known as the ________ approach.

Accepted Answer

The theory that language acquisition is based on reinforcement and conditioning is the learning-theory approach. The nativist approach suggests that language acquisition is innate, while the interactionist approach combines both innate factors and environmental factors in language acquisition. The prescriptive approach involves prescribing rules and patterns of language use.

Question 2

Dr. Ireland's class is attempting to find derivatives, whereas Dr. Jamison's class is developing campaign strategies for a local politician. Which of the following statements is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Ireland's class is attempting to find derivatives, which is a specific mathematical concept with a defined method for solving. Therefore, it is likely that their problem is well-defined. In contrast, Dr. Jamison's class is developing campaign strategies, which can involve a wide range of variables and options. This makes their problem less well-defined. There is no evidence in the question stem to suggest the use of syllogistic reasoning or the familiarity heuristic in either class.

Question 3

Zelma is asked to think of all the words beginning with the letters "squ," such as squeak. She is then given a fill-in-the-blank task where one of the items is "s _ _ o n g." Zelma keeps trying to make "squong" a word, and she has trouble thinking of the common word "strong." Zelma's ability to solve this problem has been hampered by:

Accepted Answer

Zelma's difficulty in thinking of "strong" instead of "squong" suggests that she has a mental set, or a tendency to approach the problem with a preconceived idea of what the solution should be based on previous experience with words beginning with "squ."

Question 4

Henry's dog Sparky heas been rolling in th mud. Henry must bathe Sparky before the dog gets mud all over the carpet. However, Henry is unable to find the plug for the tub. Sitting on the counter right beside the tub is a fifty-cent piece. In his frustration, Henry fails to see that the coin could be used as an emergency plug for the tub. What happened to Henry?

Accepted Answer

Henry suffered from mental set, which is a tendency to approach a problem in a particular way that has worked in the past but may not be the best approach for the current situation. He was so focused on finding the plug that he couldn't see that he had a possible solution right in front of him.

Question 5

The view that language development is produced through a combination of genetically determined predispositions and environmental circumstances that help to teach language is known as the ________ approach.

Accepted Answer

The interactionist approach to language development suggests that genetics and environmental factors both contribute to language development. This approach recognizes that children have innate predispositions that enable them to learn language, but that language learning is also shaped by the social and cultural experiences of the child in their environment. The learning-theory approach emphasizes the role of environmental influences in language development, while the nativist approach argues that language acquisition is driven primarily by innate, biologically determined mechanisms. The prescriptive approach is concerned with prescribing rules for proper language use, rather than explaining how language develops.

Question 6

Lori and Monica are looking at the cans of coffee on display at a local supermarket. They are trying to decide which of two differently-sized cans will be the better buy. Lori attempts to divide the price of each can by the number of ounces of coffee each can contains. Monica suggests that "the larger size is usually a better buy." Lori is using a(n) ____, whereas Monica is using a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

Lori is using a heuristic, which is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb, to determine the value of each can. She is dividing the price by the number of ounces to make a quick calculation. Monica is using an algorithm, which is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. She is suggesting that a larger size is usually a better buy, based on the assumption that economies of scale apply to coffee. However, this is not always the case, as the price per ounce may actually be higher for the larger can. Therefore, B is the best choice as it correctly identifies the strategies used by each person.

Question 7

Theorists taking an interactionist approach to language acquisition:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Theorists taking an interactionist approach to language...

Question 8

The theory that a genetically determined, innate mechanism directs language development is known as the ________ approach.

Accepted Answer

The nativist approach proposes that humans are born with an innate capacity for language acquisition, while the other options emphasize environmental factors and learning as crucial in language development.

Question 9

A political science professor attempts to facilitate her students' completion of a term paper assignment by requiring to first submit a topic statement, then a list of references, then a draft of the introduction, then, finally, the completed paper. The professor is encouraging her students to use the problem-solving strategy of:

Accepted Answer

The professor is encouraging the use of forming subgoals, a strategy where a larger task is broken down into smaller, more manageable parts or steps, making it easier to tackle and complete the overall goal.

Question 10

Which of the following statements best expresses the relationship between mental and functional fixedness?

Accepted Answer

Functional fixedness is a type of mental set, which is a more general problem-solving phenomenon. Mental set refers to the tendency to approach a problem with a particular mindset or framework, whereas functional fixedness specifically refers to the tendency to see an object only in terms of its typical or intended functions. Therefore, option A correctly expresses the relationship between the two concepts.

Question 11

Tina is 6 months old, Vincenzo is 2 years and 7 months old, and Wayne is 3 years and 6 months old. Which alternative below correctly pairs each child with the appropriate language acquisition stage or phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

At 6 months old, Tina would be in the babbling stage. At 2 years and 7 months old, Vincenzo would be in the stage of telegraphic speech, where they are able to produce short sentences with missing words. At 3 years and 6 months old, Wayne would be in the stage of overgeneralization, where they apply a rule to all situations including the incorrect ones.

Question 12

________ refers to the tendency of old patterns of problem solving to persist.

Accepted Answer

Mental set refers to the tendency to approach a new problem in the same way that has been successful in the past. This can lead to difficulties in finding new solutions or approaches to problems. The other options (B, C, D) do not capture this concept.

Question 13

In ________ problems, the nature of the problem and the information needed to solve it are clear. In ________ problems, the nature of the problem and/or the information required to solve it are unclear.

Accepted Answer

In well-defined problems, there is a clear goal and a set of steps to solve it. On the other hand, in ill-defined problems, the goal and/or the steps to solve it are not clear or readily available. The other answer choices refer to different types of problem-solving strategies or methods.

Question 14

Dorian is 2 years old. Constance is 2 years and 5 months old. Dorian's vocabulary probably contains ________ words, while Constance's vocabulary contains ________ words.

Accepted Answer

According to research, at two years old, children typically have a vocabulary of around 50 words, while at 2 years and 5 months old, children can have a vocabulary of several hundred words. Option A and B are too restrictive and Option D is too high in estimation.

Question 15

Ricky tells his grandmother, "Momma holded the rabbit." In the context of language, Ricky's statement exemplifies:

Accepted Answer

Ricky's statement is an example of overgeneralization, where he applies the general rule of adding "-ed" to make the past tense without knowing the irregular exceptions (e.g., "held" instead of "holded"). This is common in language development as children learn language rules.

Question 16

Kent and Kirsten are both trying to reduce their consumer debt. Kent isolates several more concrete problems he can solve to achieve his goal, such as paying the highest-interest debts first and freezing credit card spending. Kirsten simply pays her largest debt first because this would seem to be the fastest way to move her debt as close to zero as possible. Kent's plan reflects the problem-solving strategy of ________, while Kirsten's method illustrates the strategy of ________.

Accepted Answer

Kent's plan reflects the problem-solving strategy of forming subgoals, as he breaks down his overall goal of reducing consumer debt into smaller, more manageable subgoals (such as paying the highest-interest debts first and freezing credit card spending) that he can accomplish one at a time. This allows him to make progress towards his larger goal while also feeling a sense of accomplishment as he achieves each subgoal. Kirsten's method illustrates the strategy of means-end analysis, as she is focused on identifying the most direct means of reaching her desired end state (paying off her largest debt first). While this may be an effective approach, it does not involve breaking down the larger goal into smaller subgoals as Kent does.

Question 17

Which of the following impediments to effective problem solving is incorrectly matched with an illustrative problem?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following impediments to effective...

Question 18

Which of the following sequences best reflects the order of the three broad phases of the problem-solving process, from first to last?

Accepted Answer

The first phase is preparation, where you gather information and define the problem. The second phase is production, where you develop potential solutions and evaluate them. The final phase is judgment, where you select the best solution and implement it. The correct order of phases is Preparation → Production → Judgment, which is reflected in choice C.

Question 19

________ involves repeated tests for differences between the desired outcome and what currently exists.

Accepted Answer

Means-ends analysis involves the process of identifying differences between the current state and the goal state and then taking steps to reduce these differences, making it a methodical approach to problem-solving.

Question 20

Which of the following is an ill-defined problem?

Accepted Answer

Composing a good concerto is an ill-defined problem because it lacks a clear solution or a straightforward process for achieving a solution. It is a complex and subjective task that involves creativity, skill, and personal expression, making it open to multiple interpretations and approaches.

Quiz 6: Leveraging Technology and Developing Information Competency