D3.3 Skinner’s Theory that Language is a Socially Learned behaviour

What does Skinner argue?

That language is a socially learned behaviour, that we learn mainly because our first efforts at communicating as a baby were rewarded or positively reinforced in some way.

• E.g. A baby may make a parent smile if they gurgle

- A toddler saying ‘more’ and pointing at food will learn that by using language they can get what they want

What did Skinner use to explain why babies stop making some sounds?

The idea of reinforcement; when babies make sounds that parents don’t recognise, they don’t receive any attention, whereas sounds that were recognisable were noticed and reinforced (may be by the parent repeating it to the baby so they can say it again) through selective reinforcement, which is part of Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning.

What is operant conditioning?

A learning process where voluntary behaviours are modified by their consequences.

• Reinforcement/rewards increases behaviour

• Punishment decreases behaviour

What did Skinner say about how children learn language?

Children learn language through imitation and positive reinforcement. Parents reward successful sounds and words, so children repeat them and their language develops.

• This is part of Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning

What is an example of positive reinforcement?

• Child: (Points at cookie) “Coo…kee?”

• Parent: (Smiling) “Yes! Cookie! You said cookie! Great job!” (Parent gives the child the cookie)