animal models

Question 1

uses of animal models

Answer 1

form hypotheses about cognitive function

makes inferences about cognitive function

study brain systems

Question 2

why can animals not produce same speech sounds?

Answer 2

vocal tracts not evolved for human language

sign language used as an analogue

Question 3

teaching baboons language

Answer 3

learned letter like pattern recognition
learned within 6 weeks to distinguish words from non-words in artificial language

Question 4

Washoe

Answer 4

chimp taught to use and communicate in sign language

produced new combinations and learnt new sign by watching carers

learnt 350 signs

Question 5

Nim Chimpsky

Answer 5

Washoe raised like a human child
Tim raised in sterile lab conditions
only learnt 125 signs

criticise Washoe as shows cant learn as much if not treated like a human

but environment negatively affected Nims intellectual abilities
criticised for not providing a nurturing or motivating environment

Question 6

songbirds language

Answer 6

genes linked to syntax and hierarchical processing of linear signals

different dialects of the same species
- indicates learning instead of innateness

Question 7

use of animal models in language studies

Answer 7

some mammals use complex and varied vocalisations that share some characteristics with human speech

useful to study language ability, evolutionary basis of language and disordered language

Question 8

FOXP2 gene

Answer 8

identified as a candidate gene for language function

shows mutations in several speech and language disorders

gene mutations correlated with brain abnormalities in several areas where FOXP2 regulates neuron maturation, connectivity and plasticity