According to this theory, role models, especially teachers, are often imitated by their students (Bandura, 2019). It also indicates that rewarded behaviors are more likely to be repeated and vice-versa. This theory maintains that humans can learn by observing other humans and deciding which behavior to mimic (Bandura, 2019). One of the most significant theories used to educate Genie was Bandura’s social-cognitive learning theory. Genie learned new utterances with trouble, and could not intelligently put them together to convey information. Psychologists posit that effective learning of a language must happen before puberty (Mohamad & Rashid, 2018). As a result, Genie’s story supports the critical period hypothesis proposed by Noam Chomsky. It was hard for her to fully acquire a language since she had not mastered the first language. Although she later learned to utter a few words, Genie did not have enhanced cognitive abilities to acquire a full language. Genie’s imprisonment made it impossible for her to be exposed to social conversations.

A case example is Genie, who spent most of her early years in isolation. The evidence that supports the importance of language acquisition in a child’s development is usually found in the rare cases of children who were not exposed to a language at an early age. This phenomenon indicates that even though particular behavioral and cognitive abilities are naturally hardwired, they are enhanced by care and love. Humans are naturally capable of acquiring a new language, but Genie could hardly utter any word at thirteen. Genie was deprived of attention and time during her childhood, which are essential aspects of proper development. Hardwired by nature, humans have the capacity to develop fully however, their growth is stifled when support is not provided. In other words, nurture plays a critical role in enhancing human behavior, personality, and intelligence. Human beings require support in order to develop their full potential. In general, nurture entails helping someone develop particular aspects which are essential to them. Genie’s case is of profound importance as it shows the results when some fundamental levels of development are absent. Children often socialize with micro-level members at an early age. As such, the early stages of development are essential to every child’s growth. Children need to be exposed to affection, human contact, and interaction in order for them to develop a strong sense of self. One of the major questions involving “Genie: Secrets of a Wild Child” documentary is whether or not her behaviors had been inherited or influenced by her environment.

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