Question

................... argued that language acquisition could be explained by mechanisms of operant conditioning (OC).

• A. Noam Chomsky
• B. B.F Skinner
• C. Jean Piaget
• D. Lev Vygotsky

Answer 1

Answer:

B. B.F Skinner

• Skinner (1957) argued that language acquisition could be explained by mechanisms of operant conditioning (OC).
• OC is a technique that can be used to target and increase a behaviour by pairing performance of the target behaviour with a positive or rewarding outcome (Domjan, 2010).
• He believed that positive reinforcement was successful within children's education as it encouraged them to try their best and complete work to their best potential. 
• Reinforcement can be positive or negative, whether it be praise with a sticker or threatened with punishment such as detention, it can help children choose their actions and behaviour correctly.