Question

In class, I explained the proposal that humans have a Language of Thought (LOT). Which statement is WRONG?

a. A neo-nativist could be sympathetic to the idea of a LOT
b. Skinner supported the idea of a LOT
c. The idea of LOT is related to Chomsky's theory of language
d. Jerry Fodor is one the theorists who proposed a LOT
e. Researchers following an information-processing theory can be sympathetic to the idea of a LOT

Answer 1

Skinner did not support the idea of a LOT, which makes option b wrong. Chomsky proposed the idea of a Language Acquisition Device (LAD). Jerry Fodor is one of the theorists who proposed a LOT. Researchers following an information-processing theory can be sympathetic to the idea of a LOT.The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is wrong is option b. Skinner supported the idea of a LOT. B.F. Skinner, a behaviorist, believed that language is learned through reinforcement and feedback, rather than having an innate Language of Thought (LOT).

On the other hand, Noam Chomsky criticized Skinner's theory and proposed the idea of a Language Acquisition Device (LAD), which suggests that humans are born with an innate capacity to learn language.

Option c is correct as the idea of a LOT is related to Chomsky's theory of language. Jerry Fodor is indeed one of the theorists who proposed a LOT, making option d correct.

Finally, option e is also correct as researchers following an information-processing theory can be sympathetic to the idea of a LOT.The correct option is B.