What observation contradicts the idea that imitation is the method by which children acquire language?
A) Children are not capable of imitation at the age they acquire language.
B) Reinforcement, not imitation, appears to be the mechanism by which children acquire language.
C) Children utter sentences that they have never heard spoken by the people in their environment.
D) Children who frequently imitate others tend to acquire language more quickly than children who do not imitate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Children often say things that they have never heard before, such as creating entirely new sentences or using grammar in creative ways that they have not heard from others. This contradicts the idea that imitation is the sole method by which children acquire language.

What Observation Contradicts the Idea That Imitation Is the Method