Which theory views language acquisition as part of development and follows intellectual development?

Which theory views language acquisition as part of development and follows intellectual development?

• A. Skinner's Behaviorist Theory
• B. Cognitivist
• C. Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory
• D. Sensorimotor

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that language development is tied to a child’s overall cognitive growth and unfolds through distinct stages of thinking. In Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, language isn’t learned in isolation through imitation or reinforcement; it emerges and becomes more sophisticated as a child’s thinking progresses through the stages. Early on, thought is more concrete and action-based, so language reflects that level of understanding. As children move into more advanced stages—where logical, abstract, and systematic thinking develop—their language similarly expands in complexity and capability. This view treats language as a reflection of how a child’s mind develops, not just a set of behaviors to be conditioned. By contrast, Skinner’s behaviorist view emphasizes language as something learned through responses and reinforcement, not tied to stages of cognitive growth. The sensorimotor idea is a stage within Piaget’s framework, describing a period of development rather than a full theory about how language and thinking relate across all of development. So the best fit is Piaget’s view that language acquisition follows and reflects the progression of intellectual development.

The main idea here is that language development is tied to a child’s overall cognitive growth and unfolds through distinct stages of thinking. In Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, language isn’t learned in isolation through imitation or reinforcement; it emerges and becomes more sophisticated as a child’s thinking progresses through the stages. Early on, thought is more concrete and action-based, so language reflects that level of understanding. As children move into more advanced stages—where logical, abstract, and systematic thinking develop—their language similarly expands in complexity and capability. This view treats language as a reflection of how a child’s mind develops, not just a set of behaviors to be conditioned.

By contrast, Skinner’s behaviorist view emphasizes language as something learned through responses and reinforcement, not tied to stages of cognitive growth. The sensorimotor idea is a stage within Piaget’s framework, describing a period of development rather than a full theory about how language and thinking relate across all of development. So the best fit is Piaget’s view that language acquisition follows and reflects the progression of intellectual development.