Which theory suggests that children learn language by being rewarded?

The theory that suggests children learn language through rewards is the Behaviorist Theory. This theory, primarily associated with B.F. Skinner, posits that language acquisition occurs through reinforcement and conditioning. According to this perspective, when a child produces language sounds or words that are positively reinforced—such as receiving praise or affection—the child is more likely to repeat those linguistic behaviors in the future. This process emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping language learning, where children are encouraged to use the language through external rewards, creating a habit of using language effectively.

The other theories, while valuable in understanding different aspects of language acquisition, focus on other mechanisms. Cognitive Constructivism emphasizes mental processes and how children actively construct knowledge based on their experiences. Social Constructivism highlights the importance of social interactions and cultural contexts in language learning. Innatist Theory, often linked with Noam Chomsky, proposes that children are born with an inherent ability to acquire language, suggesting that language development is a natural capacity rather than learned through reinforcement.