Which of the following statements about fast mapping is correct?

• A. Fast mapping requires repeated and extensive exposure to a word before learning occurs.
• B. Fast mapping is unrelated to vocabulary development in children.
• C. Fast mapping is a process exclusive to adult language acquisition.
• D. Fast mapping refers to the ability to quickly learn the meaning of a new word after minimal exposure.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of fast mapping. Fast mapping is a cognitive process observed primarily in children, where they quickly form an initial association between a new word and its meaning after very limited exposure.
2. Step 2: Evaluate the first statement: 'Fast mapping requires repeated and extensive exposure to a word before learning occurs.' This contradicts the definition of fast mapping, which emphasizes minimal exposure, so this statement is incorrect.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Fast mapping is unrelated to vocabulary development in children.' Since fast mapping is a key mechanism by which children rapidly acquire new vocabulary, this statement is also incorrect.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the third statement: 'Fast mapping is a process exclusive to adult language acquisition.' Fast mapping is primarily observed in children during early language development, so this statement is incorrect as well.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct understanding of fast mapping is that it refers to the ability to quickly learn the meaning of a new word after minimal exposure, which aligns with the final provided statement.