PSY 211 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Spork, Psycholinguistics, Behaviorism
Document Summary
Language - system of communication using sounds or symbols that enables us to express our feelings, thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Hierarchical nature of language - consists of a series of small components that can be combined to form larger units. Rule-based nature of language - these components can be arranged in certain ways. Need to communicate using language has been called "universal" Children learn language by being rewarded for using correct language and not rewarded for using incorrect language. Chomsky (1957): proposed that human language is coded in the genes. He presented arguments against the behaviorist idea that language can be explained in terms of reinforcements and without reference to the mind. Psycholinguistics - filed concerned with the psychological study of language. Comprehension - how do people understand spork and written language. Includes how people process language sounds; how they understand words, sentences, and stories expressed in writing, speech, or sign language; and how people have conversations with one another.
