Answer
The specific type of relationship between the two variables is a positive correlation. The type of graph used to depict the data in this study is a scatter plot.
Key Concept
Explanation
A positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase as well. In this case, as the number of different words parents use increases, the number of different words children use also increases.
Key Concept
Explanation
A scatter plot is a type of graph that is used to display and determine the relationship between two numerical variables. Each point on the graph represents the values of both variables for a single observation.
[Part B] Answer
The experimental group in this study is the group of English-speaking parents who received a list of 50 French words to use. To establish cause and effect, Dr. Chisholm must use random assignment of participants to groups and control for extraneous variables.
Key Concept
Explanation
The experimental group is the group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention that is being tested.
Key Concept
Random Assignment and Control of Extraneous Variables
Explanation
Random assignment helps ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group, reducing the likelihood of systematic differences between groups. Controlling for extraneous variables helps to isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, thereby supporting a cause-and-effect conclusion.
[Part C] Answer
The language acquisition device is an innate mechanism or process that allows children to develop language skills. Operant conditioning involves learning through reinforcement and punishment, which can encourage children to use more words. The zone of proximal development refers to the range of tasks that a child can perform with the help and guidance of others, which can facilitate the learning of new words.
Key Concept
Language Acquisition Device
Explanation
Proposed by Noam Chomsky, the language acquisition device is a theoretical construct in the brain that he believed equips individuals to acquire language naturally.
Key Concept
Explanation
Operant conditioning, a concept developed by B.F. Skinner, is a learning process in which the consequences of a behavior (reinforcement or punishment) affect the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.
Key Concept
Zone of Proximal Development
Explanation
Introduced by Lev Vygotsky, the zone of proximal development is the difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance and encouragement from a skilled partner.