The regular past tense rule: $$\text{add } -ed$$

Question 1

According to Janet Werker's research, what happens to infants' ability to discriminate non-native phonemes by around 12 months of age?

Accepted Answer

It declines, and they get better at distinguishing phonemes in their native language.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'overregularization' in language development?

Accepted Answer

Applying grammatical rules to words that are exceptions, such as saying 'goed' instead of 'went'.

Question 3

Which developmental milestone typically occurs first in infancy?

Accepted Answer

Cooing

Question 4

Which theory of language development proposes that children are born with an innate universal grammar?

Accepted Answer

Nativist theory

Question 5

According to the interactionist theory, what is a key factor in language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Social interaction and innate capacity for language

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of overregularization?

Accepted Answer

Two mouses.

Question 7

Which stage of language development involves combining consonant and vowel sounds?

Accepted Answer

Babbling

Question 8

Which statement is consistent with the behaviorist understanding of language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Language is learned as the result of positive reinforcement from caregivers.

Question 9

The idea of a sensitive period for language learning was first introduced as a part of which theory of language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Nativist theory

Question 10

Which of the following correctly summarizes what we currently understand about infant's phoneme discrimination abilities?

Accepted Answer

All of the above are correct.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes telegraphic speech?

Accepted Answer

Speech that omits unnecessary words, focusing on content words (e.g., 'Give me ball').

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of the behaviorist theory of language development?

Accepted Answer

It underestimates the role of social interaction.

Question 13

A child says 'runned' instead of 'ran.' This is an example of which language development phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Overregularization

Question 14

Which theory of language development emphasizes both innate biological capacity and the importance of social interaction?

Accepted Answer

Interactionist theory

Question 15

Which milestone typically occurs around 18-24 months and involves combining two words to express meaning?

Accepted Answer

Telegraphic speech

Question 16

According to the nativist theory, what supports the existence of a universal grammar?

Accepted Answer

Children's ability to learn language rapidly and produce novel sentences.

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a 'sensitive period' in language development?

Accepted Answer

Children exposed to language before puberty acquire it more easily than those exposed later.

Question 18

Which of the following is a productive language milestone typically reached by 6-10 months of age?

Accepted Answer

Babbling

Question 19

Which theory of language development would most likely argue that language is learned through imitation and reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Behaviorist theory

Question 20

If a child says 'goed' instead of 'went,' which rule are they overapplying?

Accepted Answer

The regular past tense rule: $$	ext{add } -ed$$

Language Development: Phoneme Discrimination, Milestones, and Theories

Study Guide - Practice Questions