← Psychology syllabus

EnglandPsychology

3.6 Language, thought and communication

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

Is non-verbal behaviour innate or learned?

Explanations of non-verbal behaviour: the nature view that it is innate and the nurture view that it is learned, with evidence such as facial expressions in babies and cross-cultural studies.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.6, covering explanations of non-verbal behaviour, the nature view that it is innate and the nurture view that it is learned, with supporting evidence such as facial expressions in babies and cross-cultural studies.
8 min answer →

How does human language differ from animal communication?

Differences between human language and animal communication, including features such as displacement, creativity and grammar, with examples such as Von Frisch's bee dance.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.6, explaining the differences between human language and animal communication, including features such as displacement, creativity and grammar, with examples such as Von Frisch's study of the bee dance.
8 min answer →

How do we communicate without using words?

Non-verbal communication: functions and types including body language, facial expressions, eye contact, personal space and the differences from verbal communication.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.6, covering non-verbal communication, its functions and types (body language, facial expressions, eye contact and personal space) and how it differs from verbal communication.
8 min answer →

Does language shape thought or does thought shape language?

The relationship between language and thought: Piaget's view that thought comes before language and the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that language shapes thought.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.6, comparing Piaget's view that thought develops before and shapes language with the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that the language we speak shapes the way we think.
8 min answer →