Skinner

Question 1

What concept did Skinner introduce

Answer 1

the operant conditioning theory

Question 2

What did Skinner propose ?

Answer 2

He proposed that children learn language through imitation and from their environment. This was because he proposed that all behaviour is a result of the conditioning we receive.

Question 3

Skinner’s view on the caregiver ?

Answer 3

Caregivers still ned to provide language input for this imitation to occur

Question 4

What is positive and negative reinforcement which is part of operant conditioning theory ?

Answer 4

Positive reinforcement : If a child is using grammatically accurate sentences, for example, a mother might praise the child.
Negative reinforcement : describes the opposite situation where a less favourable response is not praised and is corrected.

Question 5

Who was Skinner

Answer 5

• Key representative of the behaviourist theory
• American psychologist

Question 6

What did Skinner suggest about children ?

Answer 6

• Children born with blank canvases.They learn words from their environment.

Question 7

Example of positive reinforcement ?

Answer 7

” Well done, good job “

Question 8

Problems with imitation theory ? ( evaluation )

Answer 8

• Problem with imitation theory - Children do not suddenly produce grammatically complete Standard English, undermines theory.
• Poverty of the Stimulus - argument from linguists that children are not exposed to rich enough data within their linguistic environments to acquire every feature of their language and comprehend the completes of syntax