Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

A researcher believes reinforcement helps young children learn phonological patterns faster. Which theory does this belief reflect?

1. Generative phonology theory

2. Behavioral theory

3. Interactional-discovery theory

4. Prosodic theory

The correct answer is: Behavioral theory

The belief that reinforcement plays a significant role in helping young children learn phonological patterns aligns with the principles of Behavioral theory. This theory emphasizes the role of environmental stimuli in shaping behaviors through mechanisms such as reinforcement and punishment. In the context of phonological learning, when a child receives positive reinforcement for correctly producing sounds or mastering phonological patterns, it encourages the repetition of those behaviors. This feedback loop helps solidify the learning process, making it more effective. The other theories listed emphasize different aspects of language acquisition. Generative phonology theory focuses on the inherent structures and rules of phonological systems rather than reinforcement. Interactional-discovery theory highlights the importance of social interaction and discovery learning in language development, which does not primarily center on reinforcement. Prosodic theory deals with aspects of rhythm and intonation in language but does not focus on reinforcement as a key mechanism for learning. In contrast, Behavioral theory directly addresses the role of external rewards in learning, making it the most applicable choice in this scenario.