Question 1

Little Hoc can say about 50 words and use them correctly when he speaks. If he's an average child, you'd expect Hoc to be about how many years old?

Accepted Answer

A)   1
B)   1 ?
C)   2
D)   2 ? B

Question 2

Compare B. F. Skinner's and Noam Chomsky's views on the development of grammatical language and discuss the evidence used to back up their theories.

Accepted Answer

Skinner's and Chomsky's views differ in the relative contribution of biology versus experience they attribute to the development of grammatical language. Skinner sees language as solely the product of learning through interaction with others, whereas Chomsky argues that children are born with an innate ability that facilitates grammatical development. According to Skinner, children acquire syntax, or grammatical rules, by incorporating transitional probabilities (having to do with which words are most likely to follow others in a sentence) when they hear their caretakers speak. They are also rewarded by their caretakers when they use correct grammar. Chomsky disputes Skinner, saying that transitional probabilities are not enough to produce sensible sentences, that it's necessary to have an overall sentence plan, that parents do not reward correct grammar, and that they are much more likely to correct facts and let incorrect grammar slide.
Skinner's theory is partially supported by the fact that socioeconomic class affects the development of children's vocabulary. However, Chomsky points out that there is minimal variation in children's grammar, regardless of their backgrounds. Chomsky's idea of a universal grammar facilitator built into the brain receives some support from the fact that certain brain areas are dedicated to certain aspects of language production and comprehension. For example, language abilities appear to be concentrated in the left hemisphere, specifically in Broca's area, which is responsible for the production of fluent speech and an understanding of syntax, and Wernicke's area, which is involved in comprehension and the production of meaningful speech. The text notes that both views are extremes and only an interaction of biology and experience can account for the richness, uniqueness, and complexity of language.

Question 3

Cindy and Dave are thrilled that baby John has learned to take a few shaky steps on his own when he is only 9 months old. His older brother Alex didn't learn to do that until he was 19 months old. Is John really a wonder child?

Accepted Answer

A)   Yes. This is very early to learn to walk.
B)   Yes. This is very early to learn to walk, but they should worry about Alex, who seems far behind the normal rate of development.
C)   No. But they should worry about Alex, who seems to be very far behind the normal rate of development.
D)   No. John and Alex are still within the normal range for learning to walk. D

Question 4

Mara should be able to put on her own clothes by the time she is

Accepted Answer

A)   6 months old.
B)   1 year old.
C)   1? years old.
D)   2 years old.

Question 5

The Bayley Scales of Infant Development consist of

Accepted Answer

A)   two separate psychomotor development indices.
B)   a mental development index and an emotional maturity index.
C)   a psychomotor growth index and an emotional maturity index.
D)   a psychomotor growth index and a mental development index.

Question 6

The functions of Broca's area and Wernicke's area in the brain lend support to whose ideas about language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

A)   Mamie Clark's
B)   Mary Ainsworth's
C)   B. F. Skinner's
D)   Noam Chomsky's

Question 7

Little Raymond can easily follow the motion of his toy train, and even when he was only Months old, he could reach out to grab it just as it got to a particular place.

Accepted Answer

A)   1
B)   2
C)   4
D)   8

Question 8

Who argued that children have a biologically inborn ability to acquire language?

Accepted Answer

A)   Noam Chomsky
B)   B.F. Skinner
C)   Jackie Gibson
D)   Nancy Bayley

Exam 3: Physical Development in Infancy and Cognitive Development in Infancy