Question 1

Ed knows what a horse is but has never seen nor heard of a camel. When Ed sees his first camel, he says "horsey." Ed's reaction is best explained by the process of

Accepted Answer

Overextension occurs when a child applies a word they know to a wider variety of contexts than is appropriate. In this case, Ed is using "horsey," a term he knows for a familiar animal, to refer to a camel, which is somewhat similar in appearance but a different animal. This is a classic example of overextension in language development.

Question 2

What is the best example of overregularization?

Accepted Answer

Overregularization occurs when children apply general grammatical rules to words that are exceptions. In this case, adding "-ed" to form the past tense incorrectly, as in "runned" instead of "ran," is a classic example of overregularization.

Question 3

Preschoolers who watch the television show Dora the Explorer have been shown to ____ in kindergarten than children who have not watched the show.

Accepted Answer

Preschoolers who watch Dora the Explorer tend to have larger vocabularies because the show is designed to be educational, focusing on language learning and problem-solving skills, which can enhance vocabulary development in young children.

Question 4

A grammatical morpheme is a word or word ending that makes a sentence grammatically

Accepted Answer

Grammatical morphemes are units of meaning added to words to provide grammatical correctness, such as tense, plurality, or possession, ensuring the sentence adheres to the rules of grammar.

Question 5

Which is the best example of underextension?

Accepted Answer

Underextension occurs when a child uses a word in a more limited or narrower sense than its adult meaning. In this case, referring to the family cat as "kitty" but not applying the term to other cats or animals is an example of underextension, as the child is restricting the use of the word to a specific instance rather than its broader category.

Question 6

Two-year-old Sam's limited vocabulary consists of words like "book," "dog," and "hat." Apparently, Sam

Accepted Answer

Sam's use of specific nouns like "book," "dog," and "hat" indicates a referential style of language acquisition, where children focus on naming objects.

Question 7

What would be the most effective way to assess phonological memory in a 2-year-old?

Accepted Answer

Phonological memory in young children can be assessed by their ability to immediately repeat words or short phrases. Option C, saying the word "kitty" and having her immediately repeat the word, directly tests the child's ability to encode, store, and recall auditory information, which is a key component of phonological memory. Options A, B, and D do not specifically assess phonological memory as they involve more complex cognitive processes or knowledge that may not be developed in a 2-year-old.

Question 8

What is an example of a grammatical morpheme?

Accepted Answer

"-ing" is an example of a grammatical morpheme because it is used to indicate the progressive aspect of a verb, not to denote a specific object or action by itself.

Question 9

Rather than saying the kitten fell in the bathtub, young Sylvester says, "Kitty wet," which leaves Sylverster's mother to wonder about the nature of the liquid on or coming out of the cat. This linguistic limitation is known as

Accepted Answer

Telegraphic speech is a form of communication used by young children in which words not critical to the message are left out. In this case, Sylvester's omission of details about how the kitten got wet is an example of telegraphic speech, where only the essential words are used to convey the message.

Question 10

Jeanne has just learned to talk and often says things like "I want it," "Come here," or "Where did he go?" Jeanne is exhibiting

Accepted Answer

Jeanne is exhibiting an expressive style, which is characterized by the use of language to express needs and desires, such as "I want it" or "Come here." This style focuses on social functions of language.

Question 11

Which evidence provides the strongest support for the "linguistic approach" to grammar acquisition?

Accepted Answer

The linguistic approach to grammar acquisition posits that humans have an innate capacity for language, which is supported by neurological evidence showing the critical role of the left hemisphere in linguistic development.

Question 12

Which of the following is the best example of a preschooler using calibration in their message?

Accepted Answer

Calibration in communication involves adjusting one's message based on the listener's knowledge or context. Choice B exemplifies this as the child provides more detailed directions to someone who couldn't see where the toy was hidden, indicating an adjustment based on the listener's lack of visual information.

Question 13

When discussing the acquisition of grammar, which type of theorist would be most likely to say, "Context and genetics are overrated, what really matters is imitation and reinforcement?"

Accepted Answer

Behaviorists believe that language learning is a result of imitation, practice, reinforcement, and habit formation, rather than innate biological predispositions or cognitive processes. They emphasize the role of the environment and experience in language acquisition.

Question 14

While visiting her grandma, Buttercup becomes somewhat restless. In an attempt to comfort Buttercup, her grandmother says, "Why don't you play with the doll in my bedroom?" Buttercup goes to get the doll but returns crying and says, "That's not doll. Doll has red hair and sleeps in my room." Buttercup's behavior is best explained by

Accepted Answer

Buttercup's behavior is best explained by underextension, which occurs when a child inappropriately restricts the use of a word to a particular case. In this scenario, Buttercup uses the term "doll" only for the specific doll with red hair that sleeps in her room, not recognizing that the term could apply to other dolls as well.

Question 15

The best predictor of a large vocabulary in a young child is

Accepted Answer

Exposure to a high-quality language environment is the best predictor of a large vocabulary in a young child because it provides the child with a rich variety of words and linguistic structures, enhancing their language development.

Question 16

Which statement by a 17-month-old best represents telegraphic speech?

Accepted Answer

Telegraphic speech in toddlers is characterized by simple, two-word sentences that convey a clear message with only essential words, typically omitting articles and auxiliary verbs. "Go store" fits this description perfectly.

Question 17

A child whose vocabulary is dominated by names of objects, actions, or persons is said to have a(n) ____ style.

Accepted Answer

A referential style of language development is characterized by a vocabulary that is largely composed of words that name objects, actions, or persons. This contrasts with an expressive style, which is more focused on social phrases and expressions.

Question 18

Eighteen-month old Quentin's large vocabulary appears to be due to his ability to recall and repeat any word that he just heard. This indicates that Quentin has an excellent ____ memory.

Accepted Answer

Quentin's ability to recall and repeat any word he just heard indicates an excellent phonological memory, which is related to the ability to remember and manipulate sounds and words. This type of memory is crucial for language acquisition and development.

Question 19

When a word is used too broadly, ____ is taking place.

Accepted Answer

Overextension occurs when a child uses a word in a broader context than is appropriate, applying it to more objects or actions than it actually represents.

Question 20

Which statement by a young child would indicate that she is using an expressive style?

Accepted Answer

Expressive style in language development focuses on social interactions and using language to express feelings or desires, as seen in "Let's play."

Quiz 4: The Emergence of Thought and Language: Cognitive Development in Infancy and Early Childhood