Question

How do the views of B. F. Skinner and Noam Chomsky differ in their explanations of infant language acquisition? Explain each view, and support each perspective with two pieces of evidence (research) presented in either the text or lecture.

a) Skinner believed in the importance of innate language structures, while Chomsky emphasized the role of environmental factors in language acquisition. Evidence: Studies on language acquisition in deaf children and research on language deprivation.
b) Skinner argued that language is entirely learned through operant conditioning, while Chomsky proposed the existence of a universal grammar. Evidence: The "chomskyan" stages of language development and Skinner's reinforcement principles.
c) Skinner and Chomsky both advocated for the use of language in behavioral psychology. Evidence: Observational studies on language acquisition and cognitive theories of language development.
d) Skinner and Chomsky had identical views on language acquisition and its mechanisms. Evidence: Their joint research on linguistic behavior.

Answer 1

B.F. Skinner believed in the importance of learned language structures, while Noam Chomsky emphasized innate language structures. Evidence supporting Skinner's view includes studies on deaf children and language deprivation, while evidence supporting Chomsky's view includes language development stages and reinforcement principles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Behaviorist View (Skinner)

B. F. Skinner believed that language is learned through reinforcement and feedback, such as parental approval. He emphasized the role of environmental factors in language acquisition. Evidence supporting Skinner's view includes studies on language acquisition in deaf children and research on language deprivation.

Chomsky's View

Noam Chomsky proposed that we are all born with an innate capacity to learn language. He emphasized the importance of innate language structures. Evidence supporting Chomsky's view includes the 'chomskyan' stages of language development and Skinner's reinforcement principles.

Common Ground

Skinner and Chomsky both recognized the importance of language in behavioral psychology. Evidence for this common ground includes observational studies on language acquisition and cognitive theories of language development. However, they had differing views on the mechanisms of language acquisition.

Overall, while Skinner emphasized environmental factors and learning through reinforcement, Chomsky focused on innate language structures and a universal grammar.