Question 1

The linguistic relativity hypothesis suggests that ________.
A) one's language determines the pattern of one's thinking and view of the world
B) one's thinking and view of the world determines the structure of one's language
C) we decide which objects belong to a concept according to what is most probable or sensible, given the facts at hand
D) perception of surface structure precedes deep structure in understanding a sentence

Accepted Answer

The linguistic relativity hypothesis, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, proposes that the language one speaks determines the pattern of one's thinking and view of the world. This means that the way we perceive and interpret the world is shaped by the language we use to describe it.

Question 2

Let's say we could teach a dolphin to understand the difference between the sentences "The parrot kissed the dolphin" and "The dolphin kissed the parrot." If this were demonstrated, it might mean the dolphin had an understanding of ________.
A) phonemes
B) morphemes
C) syntax
D) pragmatics

Accepted Answer

The ability to understand the difference between the two sentences would indicate that the dolphin has an understanding of syntax, or the rules governing the structure of sentences. Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in language, which would not be relevant to understanding these sentences. Morphemes are meaningful units of language (like "un-" or "-ful"), which also would not be essential for understanding these particular sentences. Pragmatics are the social rules and conventions guiding language use, which might come into play if the dolphin were using language to interact with others, but are not directly relevant to understanding sentence structure.

Question 3

The rhythm and emphasis on each word is called ________.
A) intonation
B) syntax
C) morphemes
D) phonemes

Accepted Answer

Intonation refers to the rhythm and emphasis on each word in speech. Syntax refers to the structure and arrangement of words in a sentence. Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning in language. Phonemes are the individual sounds that make up words.

Question 4

Pragmatics are defined as the________.
A) practical aspects of communicating with others, or the social "niceties" of language
B) system of rules that governs how we combine words to form grammatical sentences
C) language rules that determine how sounds and words can be combined and used to communicate meaning within a language
D) language rules used to solve problems between people

Accepted Answer

Pragmatics refers to the practical aspects of communicating with others, such as social norms, implied meanings, and context-specific language use. It is not related to grammar rules (B and C) or problem-solving between people (D).

Question 5

At the current time, which statement is true about our knowledge of whether animals can use humanlike language?
A) It has been clearly shown that animals cannot use humanlike language.
B) All animal communication is instinctual and, thus, is not language.
C) Only primates, like monkeys and chimps, show any sign of language-like behavior.
D) It is still unclear whether animals can show humanlike language at any level of development.

Accepted Answer

While there have been studies on animal communication and attempts to teach animals humanlike language, there is still no clear evidence that animals can use language at the same level as humans. Some animals, such as primates, have shown signs of language-like behavior, but it is still unclear if they are truly using language or simply mimicking certain sounds and actions. Therefore, choice D is the best answer.

Question 6

Regular aerobic exercise has been found to increase neurogenesis in the__________.
A) amygdala
B) cerebellum
C) prefrontal cortex
D) hippocampus

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is a region of the brain important for memory and learning, and regular aerobic exercise has been found to increase neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) in this area.

Question 7

Which of the following is one of the animals that has been taught to use language with some success?
A) goat
B) quail
C) dog
D) none of these

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is one of...

Question 8

Researchers have found that, despite the number of color names in a language, the basic abilities to perceive color are unchanged. This finding would be troublesome for the theory of ________.
A) Piccard and Worf
B) Sapir and Whorf
C) Skinner and Watson
D) Tolman and Thorndike

Accepted Answer

The theory of Sapir-Whorf suggests that language influences a person's perception and understanding of the world. Specifically, this theory proposes that the words and concepts available in a language shape the thoughts and experiences of those who speak that language. However, the finding that the number of color names in a language does not affect the basic ability to perceive color suggests that the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis may not hold true in this aspect.

Question 9

Researchers have found that ________ influenced by culture.
A) neither language nor thought is
B) language, but not thought, is
C) thought, but not language, is
D) both language and thought are

Accepted Answer

Researchers have found that both language and thought are influenced by culture. Cultural beliefs, values, and practices can shape the way people think and perceive the world around them, which in turn can affect the language they use to express themselves. Similarly, language can also influence the way people think and perceive the world, as certain concepts may be more or less salient depending on the linguistic framework used to describe them. Therefore, language and thought are intimately connected and shape each other in complex ways that vary across cultures.

Question 10

Which of the following is suggested by your authors as helping to substantially improve cognitive health?
A) physical exercise
B) a diet high in beta-amyloids
C) drinking one or two glasses of red wine at least twice each week.
D) the cessation of cigarette smoking

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is suggested by...

Question 11

The communication between honeybees would not be classified as language because ________.
A) bees are not animals
B) bee communication seems to be instinctual
C) bees do not use a spoken or auditory communication system
D) none of these

Accepted Answer

Bee communication, particularly through the waggle dance, is considered instinctual rather than learned or symbolic, distinguishing it from human language.

Question 12

What do we call the hypothesis that language influences what we think?
A) the dynamic hypothesis
B) the language reaction hypothesis
C) the linguistic relativity hypothesis
D) the cognitive linguistic hypothesis

Accepted Answer

The hypothesis that language influences what we think is called the linguistic relativity hypothesis, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. It suggests that the structure and the vocabulary of a language affect the way its speakers perceive and conceive the world.

Question 13

When adults who are speaking to infants change the pitch and rhythm in their speech, they are altering their ________.
A) syntax
B) grammar
C) morphemes
D) intonation

Accepted Answer

Intonation refers to the pitch and rhythm of speech, which is specifically what adults alter when speaking to infants. Syntax refers to the structure and order of words in a sentence, grammar refers to the rules of a language, and morphemes are the smallest units of meaning within a language, none of which are being altered in this scenario.

Question 14

Which developmental psychologist theorized that concepts preceded and aided the development of language?
A) Vygotsky
B) Piaget
C) Sapir
D) Whorf

Accepted Answer

Piaget believed that the development of concepts preceded and aided the development of language. He argued that children first develop mental representations, or schemas, and then use language to label and communicate about those concepts.

Question 15

In order to conclusively show that animals do use language, one would have to demonstrate that the________.
A) language had an auditory, or sound, component
B) language had a genetic or instinctual base
C) language used abstract symbols
D) animals have the same vocal abilities as people

Accepted Answer

The use of abstract symbols is a key feature of language and would demonstrate that animals are not simply responding to stimuli or using pre-programmed responses.

Question 16

When people are asked to relate how many windows they have in the place where they live, the amount of time to answer doesn't depend on the number of windows.

Accepted Answer

The amount of time it takes for people to answer how many windows they have in their place of living typically increases with the number of windows. This is because people often need to mentally visualize or count the windows, which takes longer as the number of windows increases.

Question 17

A famous lecturer argues that because the Hopi Indians have only two nouns for things that fly, one for birds and another for nonbirds, the Hopi MUST interpret all flying things in terms of these two nouns. This argument is based on ________.
A) the idealized prototype construct
B) bottom-up processing
C) deep structure elaboration
D) the linguistic relativity hypothesis

Accepted Answer

The argument suggests that the Hopi's language influences how they perceive and categorize the world around them, which is consistent with the linguistic relativity hypothesis (also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis). This hypothesis proposes that the structure and content of a language can influence the way speakers of that language perceive reality and think about the world.

Question 18

Which of the following statements BEST describes the general relationship between thinking and language?
A) Language is a tool that may be used in thinking, but it isn't the sole basis of thought.
B) Language is the sole basis of thought.
C) When we think, we always make use of language.
D) Language usually is not required in thought processes.

Accepted Answer

While language is frequently used in thinking, it is not necessary for thought processes to occur. Many animals, for example, have the ability to think without communication through language. Additionally, there are forms of thinking, such as visual or abstract thinking, that do not rely solely on language.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT an animal that has been taught to produce behavior that some think is language-like?
A) chimpanzees
B) parrots
C) armadillos
D) dolphins

Accepted Answer

While chimpanzees, parrots, and dolphins have all been taught to produce behavior that some think is language-like, there is no evidence that armadillos have been taught to do so.

Question 20

Dolphins, according to TV and movies, are very intelligent and have strong language abilities. They might even be able to talk! However, which statement is true from the research?
A) Dolphins have been shown to be able to master semantics.
B) Dolphins have the language abilities of a 3-year-old child.
C) Dolphin communication with parrots has been firmly established.
D) Dolphins have not been shown to have the ability to master human syntax.

Accepted Answer

While it is true that dolphins have demonstrated strong communication abilities and have been shown to master semantics (A), they do not have the language abilities of a 3-year-old child (B). Additionally, there is no evidence of dolphin communication with parrots (C). However, research has shown that dolphins do not have the ability to master human syntax (D).

Quiz 7: Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence, and Language

The linguistic relativity hypothesis suggests that ________.

Let's say we could teach a dolphin to understand the difference between the sentences "The parrot kissed the dolphin" and "The dolphin kissed the parrot." If this were demonstrated, it might mean the dolphin had an understanding of ________.

The rhythm and emphasis on each word is called ________.

Pragmatics are defined as the________.

At the current time, which statement is true about our knowledge of whether animals can use humanlike language?

Regular aerobic exercise has been found to increase neurogenesis in the__________.

Which of the following is one of the animals that has been taught to use language with some success?

Researchers have found that, despite the number of color names in a language, the basic abilities to perceive color are unchanged. This finding would be troublesome for the theory of ________.

Researchers have found that ________ influenced by culture.

Which of the following is suggested by your authors as helping to substantially improve cognitive health?

The communication between honeybees would not be classified as language because ________.

What do we call the hypothesis that language influences what we think?

When adults who are speaking to infants change the pitch and rhythm in their speech, they are altering their ________.

Which developmental psychologist theorized that concepts preceded and aided the development of language?

In order to conclusively show that animals do use language, one would have to demonstrate that the________.

When people are asked to relate how many windows they have in the place where they live, the amount of time to answer doesn't depend on the number of windows.

A famous lecturer argues that because the Hopi Indians have only two nouns for things that fly, one for birds and another for nonbirds, the Hopi MUST interpret all flying things in terms of these two nouns. This argument is based on ________.

Which of the following statements BEST describes the general relationship between thinking and language?

Which of the following is NOT an animal that has been taught to produce behavior that some think is language-like?

Dolphins, according to TV and movies, are very intelligent and have strong language abilities. They might even be able to talk! However, which statement is true from the research?