Theoretical Framework

Question 1

What is behaviorism?

Answer 1

Language is like a behavior in that it is learned through imitation, rewards and practice
Knowledge is exterior to the learner and they are born as a blank state

Question 2

Behaviorism uses what kind of reinforcement?

Answer 2

Positive and negative reinforcement
Based on Pavlov and Skinner

Question 3

How do we use behaviorism in SLP?

Answer 3

Reward systems, we reward a child for demonstrating a behavior

Question 4

What are the criticisms of behaviorism being applied in SLP?

Answer 4

-Babies do not get enough reinforcement to acquire language this way
-ABA also criticized because it is not naturalistic and can lead to masking

Question 5

What is the theory of nativism?

Answer 5

Language is an innate skill that is centered within the child and not the child’s environment
We are born with universal grammar

Question 6

What is the critical period hypothesis of nativism?

Answer 6

There is a critical period in which language must be learned or the ability to learn is lost and it becomes difficult

Question 7

How is nativism used in SLP?

Answer 7

Universal grammar does seem to hold true as there is a structural system to language
There are also certain areas of the brain that associated with language that we are born with

Question 8

What are the criticisms of nativism?

Answer 8

Ignore the influence of the environment on learning language
There is no universal grammar when looking at ALL languages
Does not consider USE or how we interact with others with language

Question 9

What is cognitivism?

Answer 9

States that language develops in the context of a child’s development
Children are expected to understand certain concepts before they can express them with language

Question 10

Who is the theorist that is associated with nativism?

Answer 10

Chomsky

Question 11

What is Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory?

Answer 11

Instruction needs to incorporate the senses while the child leads the way
Basis for Montessori

Question 12

What is embodied cognition?

Answer 12

Action based language
Language is learned through embodied, multisensory and motor interactions with the world at large
Focuses on the interaction of the body with the environment

Question 13

What is schema theory?

Answer 13

Discusses how, using language, thoughts are organized in the brain
Leads to the development of routines, narrative structure

Question 14

What is Dual Coding theory?

Answer 14

States that children need visual and verbal stimuli to learn something new

Question 15

How is cognitivism used in SLP?

Answer 15

Piaget’s developmental stages
Zone of proximal development

Question 16

Criticisms of the use of cognitivism in SLP

Answer 16

Does not account for individual differences
Emboided cognition is based on mirror neurons which is controversial

Question 17

What is interactionism?

Answer 17

Focused on language use (pragmatics) and how it helps with development
Language is learned through supportive social environments

Question 18

What are Piaget’s stages?

Answer 18

Sensorimotor –> preoperational–>concrete operational–>formal operational

Question 19

What is Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory?

Answer 19

Cognition and language start out separate but eventually merge, afterwhich language drives cognitive development

Question 20

What is Bruner’s Constructivist Theory?

Answer 20

Uses 3 levels of presentation
Enactive –>Iconic–>Symbolic

Question 21

What is Bandura’s Social Learning theory?

Answer 21

Observation +Attention–>Retention–>Reproduction–>Motivation

Question 22

How is interactionism used in SLP?

Answer 22

Turn-taking is critical in language development
Child-directed speech (motherese) associated with early speech development
Contextualized, naturalistic interventions are more effective

Question 23

What are criticisms of interactionism in SLP?

Answer 23

Some cultures do not use motherese and children still develop language just fine

Question 24

What is incorporated in Usage-Based Theory?

Answer 24

It follows interactionism (child ability + their environment)
Examples:
1. Intention reading: child notices intention of the communication partner; later knows his own intention
2. Pattern finding: child recognizes routines and then schemas
3. Role reversal imitation: the child begins the use of roles

Question 25

Usage based theory is the ___ for child language learning

Answer 25

FRAMEWORK

Question 26

What is the process that speakers follow to produce an utterance?

Answer 26

Develop an intention
Identify meanings
Select syntactic frames
Select lexical items
Encode message

Question 27

A focus on the environment indicates …

Answer 27

Behaviorist

Question 28

A focus on innate ability indicates …..

Answer 28

Nativist

Question 29

A focus on environment + innate ability indicates …..

Answer 29

Cognitive interactionist

Question 30

From all the theories, what guides our evaluation of young children as SLPs?

Answer 30

1. Language arises from innate abilities + environment
2. There is an expected developmental sequence if input is appropriate
3. A supportive and interactive environment leads to better communicative outcomes
4. Contextualized, naturalistic measures of play, interactions and language use are the most informative
5. Caregivers can provide important information about the child’s social environment and cognitive abilities

Question 31

Based on the theories, what techniques are used as SLPs …

Answer 31

ZPD/Scaffolding
Routines-based learning
Schemas
Contextual, authentic activities
Consideration of different cultures and caregiver input
Child-centered approaches