The best evidence for the existence of an innate language acquisition device containing universal rules of grammar comes from the research of Musso and colleagues (2003). Their fMRI studies indicate that learning a novel but grammatical language triggers activity in __________ of the brain whereas learning a novel but ungrammatical language triggers activity in __________ of the brain.
A) Wernicke's area; Broca's area
B) Broca's area; Wernicke's area
C) large nonspecific areas; Broca's area
D) Wernicke's area; large nonspecific areas
E) Broca's area; large nonspecific areas

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Musso and colleagues' research using fMRI studies showed that learning a novel but grammatically structured language activates Broca's area, which is associated with the production of language and grammar processing. In contrast, learning a novel but ungrammatical language activates large nonspecific areas of the brain, indicating a different, less specialized processing approach. This supports the theory of an innate language acquisition device with universal grammatical rules, as the brain responds differently to grammatical versus ungrammatical language inputs.

The Best Evidence for the Existence of an Innate Language