FIGURE 6.4 Speech perception This infant is participating in a study of speech perception in the laboratory of Janet Werker. The baby has learned to turn his head to the sound source whenever he hears a change from one sound to another. A correct head turn is rewarded by an exciting visual display, as well as by the applause and praise of the experimenter. To make sure that neither the mother nor the experimenter can influence the child’s behavior, they are both wearing headphones that prevent them from hearing what the baby hears. (From Werker, 1989)

ADAPTED FROM WERKER, J.F. (1989). “BECOMING A NATIVE LISTENER.” AMERICAN SCIENTIST, 77:59. REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF AMERICAN SCIENTIST, JOURNAL OF SYGMA XI, THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER MCLEOD, ACADIA UNIVERSITY