Child Psychology Quiz

1. Phonemes are the elementary sounds upon which all words are based.

True

False

Phonemes are indeed the elementary sounds upon which all words are based. They are the smallest units of sound that can distinguish one word from another in a particular language. For example, the difference between the words "bat" and "cat" lies in the initial phonemes /b/ and /k/. Phonemes are crucial for language development as they form the foundation for constructing words and sentences. Mastery of phonemes is essential for reading, writing, and effective verbal communication, as they allow individuals to recognize, differentiate, and produce the myriad of words in their language.

Explanation

Phonemes are indeed the elementary sounds upon which all words are based. They are the smallest units of sound that can distinguish one word from another in a particular language. For example, the difference between the words "bat" and "cat" lies in the initial phonemes /b/ and /k/. Phonemes are crucial for language development as they form the foundation for constructing words and sentences. Mastery of phonemes is essential for reading, writing, and effective verbal communication, as they allow individuals to recognize, differentiate, and produce the myriad of words in their language.

2. What is the term given to when infants of a few weeks old make attempts to speak?

Proto-communication

Positive infant language

Pre-speech

Early babbling

Pre-speech refers to the early vocalizations made by infants as they attempt to communicate before they can form actual words. These sounds include cooing, babbling, and other vocal expressions that are essential for language development. Pre-speech activities help infants practice the muscle movements needed for speech and allow them to begin understanding the rhythm and patterns of their native language. This stage is crucial for later language development, as it lays the foundation for more complex verbal communication skills.

Explanation

Pre-speech refers to the early vocalizations made by infants as they attempt to communicate before they can form actual words. These sounds include cooing, babbling, and other vocal expressions that are essential for language development. Pre-speech activities help infants practice the muscle movements needed for speech and allow them to begin understanding the rhythm and patterns of their native language. This stage is crucial for later language development, as it lays the foundation for more complex verbal communication skills.

3. Brown noticed that adults seemed to imitate children's speech patterns very frequently.

True

False

Brown did not specifically notice that adults frequently imitate children's speech patterns. Instead, his research focused on how children acquire language and the stages they go through in this process. Brown identified the importance of meaningful interaction between children and adults, but his work emphasized how children learn from adults rather than the other way around. Adults typically adjust their speech to be more understandable and supportive of the child's language development, a concept known as "child-directed speech" or "parentese," rather than imitating the children's speech patterns.

Explanation

Brown did not specifically notice that adults frequently imitate children's speech patterns. Instead, his research focused on how children acquire language and the stages they go through in this process. Brown identified the importance of meaningful interaction between children and adults, but his work emphasized how children learn from adults rather than the other way around. Adults typically adjust their speech to be more understandable and supportive of the child's language development, a concept known as "child-directed speech" or "parentese," rather than imitating the children's speech patterns.

4. Brown called the type of speech where we place constraint on length, and therefore make it similar to that which a two-year old child would use telegraphic speech.

True

False

Roger Brown referred to the type of speech characterized by short, simple sentences that omit non-essential words as "telegraphic speech." This form of speech is similar to that used by two-year-old children, who often communicate using only the most crucial words, like "want cookie" instead of "I want a cookie." This speech pattern mimics the brevity and directness of a telegram, hence the name "telegraphic speech." Brown's research highlighted how young children naturally use this concise form of communication as they develop their language skills, focusing on key content words while omitting articles and auxiliary verbs.

Explanation

Roger Brown referred to the type of speech characterized by short, simple sentences that omit non-essential words as "telegraphic speech." This form of speech is similar to that used by two-year-old children, who often communicate using only the most crucial words, like "want cookie" instead of "I want a cookie." This speech pattern mimics the brevity and directness of a telegram, hence the name "telegraphic speech." Brown's research highlighted how young children naturally use this concise form of communication as they develop their language skills, focusing on key content words while omitting articles and auxiliary verbs.

5. Richard Brailen was one of the first psychologists to use the technique of natural observation to study the development of language.

True

False

Richard Brailen is not recognized as one of the pioneering psychologists in the field of naturalistic observation for studying language development. Notable figures in this area include Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, who extensively used observational methods to understand cognitive and language development in children. These psychologists made significant contributions to our understanding of how children learn and develop language through observing their behavior in natural settings. Understanding the history and contributions of key figures in psychology is essential for accurately appreciating the development of various research methods and theories.

Explanation

Richard Brailen is not recognized as one of the pioneering psychologists in the field of naturalistic observation for studying language development. Notable figures in this area include Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, who extensively used observational methods to understand cognitive and language development in children. These psychologists made significant contributions to our understanding of how children learn and develop language through observing their behavior in natural settings. Understanding the history and contributions of key figures in psychology is essential for accurately appreciating the development of various research methods and theories.

6. What is the main problem with reinforcement theory?

The time it takes to get results

The emphasis it places on the role of parental and social approval

Lack of accuracy

It does not account for internal cognitive processes

The main problem with reinforcement theory is that it does not account for internal cognitive processes. Reinforcement theory focuses primarily on external behaviors and the effects of rewards and punishments on those behaviors. However, it neglects how internal factors such as thoughts, beliefs, and motivations play a crucial role in learning and behavior modification. This limitation means that reinforcement theory can provide an incomplete understanding of how learning occurs, as it overlooks the importance of cognitive processes that influence how individuals perceive and respond to reinforcement. Addressing these internal processes is essential for a comprehensive approach to understanding and influencing behavior.

Explanation

The main problem with reinforcement theory is that it does not account for internal cognitive processes. Reinforcement theory focuses primarily on external behaviors and the effects of rewards and punishments on those behaviors. However, it neglects how internal factors such as thoughts, beliefs, and motivations play a crucial role in learning and behavior modification. This limitation means that reinforcement theory can provide an incomplete understanding of how learning occurs, as it overlooks the importance of cognitive processes that influence how individuals perceive and respond to reinforcement. Addressing these internal processes is essential for a comprehensive approach to understanding and influencing behavior.

7. Which of the following would qualify as 'naturalistic observation'?

Observing quietly without being seen.

Observing from close by, but occasionally interacting with the subject.

Controlling the experiment as closely as possible.

Setting up a structured environment for observation.

Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without any interference or interaction from the observer. The goal is to witness and record behavior as it naturally occurs, ensuring that the presence of the observer does not alter the subject's behavior. This method provides authentic data about how subjects behave in real-life situations. Interacting with the subject, controlling the experiment, or setting up a structured environment would introduce variables that could influence the natural behavior being studied, thus not fitting the criteria of naturalistic observation.

Explanation

Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without any interference or interaction from the observer. The goal is to witness and record behavior as it naturally occurs, ensuring that the presence of the observer does not alter the subject's behavior. This method provides authentic data about how subjects behave in real-life situations. Interacting with the subject, controlling the experiment, or setting up a structured environment would introduce variables that could influence the natural behavior being studied, thus not fitting the criteria of naturalistic observation.

8. Which of the following are likely to be retained when children are imitating sentences? (Select 2)

Verbs

Inflections

Articles

Auxiliary verbs

Nouns

When children imitate sentences, they are more likely to retain content words such as verbs and nouns. These words carry the main meaning of a sentence and are essential for basic communication. Verbs describe actions, while nouns identify people, places, things, or ideas. Articles, auxiliary verbs, and inflections, which are function words, are often omitted or used incorrectly by young children as they develop their language skills. Over time, as their understanding and use of language become more sophisticated, children gradually learn to include these function words accurately in their sentences.

Explanation

When children imitate sentences, they are more likely to retain content words such as verbs and nouns. These words carry the main meaning of a sentence and are essential for basic communication. Verbs describe actions, while nouns identify people, places, things, or ideas. Articles, auxiliary verbs, and inflections, which are function words, are often omitted or used incorrectly by young children as they develop their language skills. Over time, as their understanding and use of language become more sophisticated, children gradually learn to include these function words accurately in their sentences.

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9. Which stage of speech development comes first in infants?

Several Words Combined

The Pre-linguistic or Prattle Stage

One-word Sentence Stage

Full Sentence Stage

The first stage of speech development in infants is the Pre-linguistic or Prattle Stage. During this stage, infants produce sounds such as cooing and babbling. This stage is essential for practicing vocalizations and understanding the basic sounds of their language. It lays the foundation for later stages of speech development, including the One-word Sentence Stage and the stage where children combine several words to form simple sentences. Recognizing these stages helps in tracking normal language development in children.

Explanation

The first stage of speech development in infants is the Pre-linguistic or Prattle Stage. During this stage, infants produce sounds such as cooing and babbling. This stage is essential for practicing vocalizations and understanding the basic sounds of their language. It lays the foundation for later stages of speech development, including the One-word Sentence Stage and the stage where children combine several words to form simple sentences. Recognizing these stages helps in tracking normal language development in children.

10. Brown believed there was a considerable innate pre-disposition to language.

True

False

Roger Brown, a prominent psychologist known for his work in language development, focused more on the interaction between environmental factors and language acquisition rather than asserting a strong innate predisposition. While he acknowledged some innate aspects, his research emphasized the importance of social interaction, parental input, and the stages of linguistic development in children. Brown's work provided significant insights into how children learn language through observation, imitation, and reinforcement, highlighting the dynamic interplay between innate abilities and environmental influences in language development.

Explanation

Roger Brown, a prominent psychologist known for his work in language development, focused more on the interaction between environmental factors and language acquisition rather than asserting a strong innate predisposition. While he acknowledged some innate aspects, his research emphasized the importance of social interaction, parental input, and the stages of linguistic development in children. Brown's work provided significant insights into how children learn language through observation, imitation, and reinforcement, highlighting the dynamic interplay between innate abilities and environmental influences in language development.