Theoretical Perspective

1. Nativist

1.1. Noam Chomsky

1.2. Assumes children predetermine language if placed in an appropriate environment.

1.3. Nature > Nurture

2. Cognitive Developmentalist

2.1. Jean Piaget

2.2. Assumes that cognitive development is at the center of human organism and language is contingent on cognitive development.

2.3. Nature > Nurture

3. Behaviorist

3.1. B.F. Skinner & Ivan Pavlov

3.2. Learning based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning.

3.3. Nurture > Nature

4. Interactionist

4.1. Lev Vygotsky

4.2. Assumes social processes derive from human interaction.

4.3. Nurture > Nature