WK2 L3: Readings

• What does the paper summarize about Genie's language acquisition?


  It summarizes her language acquisition occurring past the hypothesized “critical period.”
• What are the implications of Genie's language development mentioned in the paper?


  They relate to hemispheric maturation and the development of lateralization.
• What type of tests were administered to Genie?


  Dichotic listening tests.
• What historical observation did Descartes make regarding language?


  He noted that all individuals can arrange words to express thoughts, regardless of their background.
• What do both empiricists and rationalists agree on regarding language acquisition?


  They agree that certain environmental conditions are necessary for the acquisition of language.
• What was one of the defining characteristics of Homo Ferus according to Linnaeus?


  Inability to speak.
• What historical debate was stimulated by the study of isolated children in the 18th century?


  The struggle between geneticists and environmentalists regarding innate ideas.
• What is one category of children discussed in the paper regarding isolation?


  Children reared with wild animals.
• What is the unique aspect of Genie's case compared to other reported cases?


  She underwent a degree of social isolation and experiential deprivation not previously reported.
• What factors influence whether a child can "catch up" after deprivation?


  The developmental state prior to deprivation, duration, quality, intensity of deprivation, and biological adequacy.
• What does the concept of a "critical period" suggest?


  That certain developmental abilities will be impossible if necessary conditions are absent during this period.
• According to Lenneberg, what is the critical period for language acquisition?


  From about age two to puberty.

  
• What happens to language acquisition after puberty according to Lenneberg?


  It becomes impossible due to the loss of cerebral plasticity.
• What linguistic questions does Genie's case relate to?


  Distinctions between comprehension and production of language, linguistic competence and performance, and cognition and language.
• What was Genie's condition upon admission to the hospital?


  She was an unsocialized, primitive human being, emotionally disturbed, unlearned, and without language.
• What was the tentative diagnosis for Genie upon her admission to the hospital?


  Severe malnutrition.
• What tragic circumstances did Genie experience during her isolation?


  She suffered physical and social restriction, nutritional neglect, and extreme experiential deprivation.
• How was Genie physically restrained during her isolation?


  She was tied into a potty chair and kept in a covered infant crib.
• What was the father's attitude towards Genie's sounds?


  He physically punished her if she made any sounds.
• What was the mother's role in Genie's care during her isolation?


  She was forbidden to spend more than a few minutes with Genie during feeding.
• What was the father's belief about Genie's future?


  He regarded her as a hopelessly retarded child destined to die young.
• What was the cause of Genie's retardation according to the observations made?


  It was due principally to the extreme isolation she was subjected to.
• What was Genie’s birth condition?


  She was born with a congenital dislocation of the hips.
• What was the outcome of Genie's early medical visits?


  There was no indication of early retardation in her medical records.
• What significant change occurred after Genie's admission to the hospital?


  Dramatic changes occurred since her emergence from isolation.
• What did the neurologist find regarding Genie’s health?


  No evidence of neurological disease
• What was the conclusion regarding Genie’s functional status after evaluations?


  She was an extremely retarded child
• What type of behavior did Genie exhibit that was not typical of mentally defective children?


  Her behavior was unlike that of other mentally defective children
• What was suggested as the cause of Genie’s retardation?


  Intensity and duration of psycho-social and physical deprivation
• How did Genie’s condition change after four weeks in the hospital?


  She became alert and engaged in social play
• What types of activities did Genie engage in after her admission to the hospital?


  Simple social play with balloons, flashlight, and toys
• What was noted about Genie’s emotional responses?


  She exhibited emotional responsivity
• What was the conclusion about Genie’s deprivation?


  It was extreme and prolonged
• What was the state of Genie’s linguistic development when she was discovered?


  She did not speak
• What did Dr. James Kent observe about Genie’s sounds after her admission?


  She made no sounds except for a throaty whimper
• How did Genie communicate her needs initially?


  Non-verbally, at least to a limited extent
• What behavior did Genie exhibit when she was very angry?


  She would scratch her face and blow her nose violently
• What was the reason for Genie’s eerie silence during tantrums?


  She had been whipped by her father when she made noise
• What was unclear about Genie’s inability to talk?


  Whether it was due to physiological and/or emotional factors
• What did Genie begin to do within a few days of hospitalization?


  Respond to the speech of others and imitate single words