study

What is language?

A form of communication (spoken, written, or signed) based on a system of symbols.

What is infinite generativity?

The ability to create an endless number of meaningful sentences using a finite set of words and rules.

What is phonology?

The sound system of language.

What is a phoneme?

The smallest unit of sound in a language.

What is morphology?

The system of word formation based on meaning.

What is a morpheme?

The smallest unit of language that carries meaning.

What is syntax?

The rules for combining words into sentences.

What is semantics?

The meaning of words and sentences.

What is pragmatics?

The appropriate use of language in different social contexts.

When does cooing begin?

Around 2–4 months.

When does babbling begin?

Around 6 months.

When do infants begin pointing and using gestures?

Around 8–12 months.

When do infants usually say their first word?

Around 10–15 months.

When do two-word utterances begin?

Around 18–24 months.

What is telegraphic speech?

Short, simple sentences that contain only essential words (e.g., “Mommy go”).

What is receptive vocabulary?

Words a child understands.

What is spoken vocabulary?

Words a child actually says.

What is a vocabulary spurt?

A rapid increase in vocabulary around 19 months.

What is overextension?

Applying one word too broadly (calling every animal “dog”).

What is underextension?

Applying a word too narrowly (calling only your own bottle “bottle”).

What is Broca’s area?

The brain area responsible for producing speech.

What is Wernicke’s area?

The brain area responsible for understanding language.

What is aphasia?

A loss or impairment of language caused by brain damage.

Who developed the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)?

Noam Chomsky.

What is the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)?

A theory that humans are biologically prepared to learn language.

What is child-directed speech (parentese)?

Speech with a higher pitch, slower tempo, and exaggerated intonation used with young children.

What is emotion?

A feeling or affect that occurs during important interactions.

What is emotion regulation?

Managing emotions effectively to adapt and achieve goals.

What is emotional competence?

The ability to understand, express, and regulate emotions effectively.

What are primary emotions?

Basic emotions that appear during the first six months (joy, anger, sadness, fear, surprise, disgust, interest).

What are self-conscious emotions?

Emotions requiring self-awareness, such as pride, guilt, shame, embarrassment, jealousy, and empathy.

When do self-conscious emotions appear?

After about 18 months.

What is stranger anxiety?

Fear of unfamiliar people beginning around 6 months.

What is separation protest?

Distress when separated from a caregiver, beginning around 7–8 months.

What is temperament?

A person’s characteristic way of responding emotionally and behaviorally.

What is an easy child?

A child who is positive, adaptable, and has regular routines.

What is a difficult child?

A child who is negative, cries frequently, and struggles with change.

What is a slow-to-warm-up child?

A child who is quiet, less active, and slow to adjust.

What is goodness of fit?

The match between a child’s temperament and their environment.

What did Harlow’s monkey experiment demonstrate?

Attachment is based on comfort and security, not just feeding.

According to Erikson, what creates secure attachment?

Physical comfort and sensitive caregiving.

According to Bowlby, why is attachment important?

It creates an internal working model that influences future relationships.

What are Bowlby’s four attachment phases?

Birth–2 months, 2–7 months, 7–24 months, and 24+ months.

What is the Strange Situation?

Mary Ainsworth’s test for measuring infant attachment.

What is secure attachment?

The child uses the caregiver as a secure base and is comforted upon reunion.

What is insecure avoidant attachment?

The child avoids the caregiver.

What is insecure resistant attachment?

The child clings to the caregiver but resists comfort.

What is insecure disorganized attachment?

The child displays confused or inconsistent behaviors.

Which parenting style is associated with secure attachment?

Sensitive and responsive caregiving.

Which parenting style is associated with avoidant attachment?

Rejecting or unavailable caregiving.

Which parenting style is associated with resistant attachment?

Inconsistent caregiving.

Which parenting style is associated with disorganized attachment?

Neglectful or abusive caregiving.

What is socioemotional selectivity theory?

The theory that older adults prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships.

What is romantic (passionate) love?

Love characterized by strong passion, sexuality, and infatuation.

What is affectionate (companionate) love?

Love based on deep affection, intimacy, and commitment.

What are the three components of Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love?

Passion, intimacy, and commitment.

What is infatuation?

Passion only.

What is fatuous love?

Passion and commitment without intimacy.

What is consummate love?

Passion, intimacy, and commitment together (the fullest form of love).