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Zoe
05/12/2025
English Language
Genie Wiley Case Study Presentation - The Language of Feral Children
234
•
5 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Genie Wiley: Insights into Language from Feral Children Case Studies
Zoe
@zoeislar
1 / 10
The Case Study of Genie Wiley
Genie's story remains one of the most significant case studies in developmental psychology. It provides real-world evidence about language acquisition that you simply can't get from controlled experiments.
This case study has shaped how psychologists understand the critical period for language learning. The ethical questions it raises are just as important as the scientific findings.
Key Point: Case studies like Genie's offer unique insights that laboratory experiments cannot provide, but they also raise serious ethical concerns.
Who is Genie Wiley?
Genie Wiley (not her real name) was a feral child who suffered extreme abuse and isolation for 13 years. Her father locked her in a room, cutting her off from normal human contact and language exposure.
Her daily reality was horrific - strapped to a potty for 13 hours, beaten for making noise, and completely isolated from the outside world. She had no exposure to normal conversation or social interaction during these crucial developmental years.
This extreme social deprivation created a tragic but scientifically important case for studying language development. Her situation was unlike anything researchers had encountered before.
Remember: Genie's case shows the devastating effects of extreme isolation during critical developmental periods.
Discovery and Rescue
In 1970, Genie's partially blind mother finally escaped the abusive household. When she accidentally walked into a social services office instead of the disability benefits office, everything changed.
The social worker immediately recognised that something was seriously wrong - Genie appeared much younger than her actual age of 13. Police were called straight away, and Genie became a ward of the court.
This accidental discovery led to one of psychology's most studied cases. Without this chance encounter, Genie might never have been found.
Think About It: Sometimes the most important psychological discoveries happen by accident rather than through planned research.
Initial Treatment and Testing
Genie was rushed to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, where linguists began extensive testing. They used dichotic listening tests to understand her language processing abilities.
Her initial language skills were extremely limited. She could only say a few words like "sorry," "no more," and "mama." She understood slightly more, including basic colour words like "blue" and "orange."
The fact that it took weeks for her to even respond to speech showed the severe impact of her isolation. Her language development had been almost completely stunted.
Key Insight: Genie's limited vocabulary at age 13 demonstrates how crucial early language exposure is for normal development.
Impact on Chomsky's Language Theories
Noam Chomsky believed all children are born with a Language Acquisition Device (LAD) - a natural ability to learn language without heavy parental reinforcement. Genie's case seriously challenges this theory.
If Chomsky was right, Genie should have been able to develop language naturally once exposed to it. However, even with intensive support, she never fully mastered speech or complex grammar.
By age 60, Genie still couldn't speak properly, suggesting there's no evidence for an innate LAD. Her case implies that language acquisition requires both biological readiness and environmental input during a critical period.
Exam Tip: Use Genie's case as evidence against Chomsky's LAD theory - her inability to fully acquire language despite exposure contradicts the idea of innate language abilities.
Impact on Skinner's Behavioural Theories
B.F. Skinner argued that language develops through reinforcement and social interaction. Genie's case provides mixed support for this behaviourist approach.
Her extremely limited interactions - mostly beatings and minimal speech - resulted in almost no language development. This supports Skinner's idea that social reinforcement is crucial for language learning.
However, her case also highlights the importance of timing. Even with later positive reinforcement and teaching, Genie couldn't fully develop normal language skills, suggesting there's a critical age for language learning that goes beyond simple behavioural conditioning.
Analysis Point: Genie's case shows that while social interaction matters for language (supporting Skinner), timing is equally crucial - you can't just learn language at any age.
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Genie Wiley: Insights into Language from Feral Children Case Studies
Zoe
@zoeislar
The case of Genie Wiley is one of psychology's most tragic yet important studies, revealing crucial insights about how we learn language. Her story helps us understand whether children are born with natural language abilities or need social interaction to... Show more
The Case Study of Genie Wiley
Genie's story remains one of the most significant case studies in developmental psychology. It provides real-world evidence about language acquisition that you simply can't get from controlled experiments.
This case study has shaped how psychologists understand the critical period for language learning. The ethical questions it raises are just as important as the scientific findings.
Key Point: Case studies like Genie's offer unique insights that laboratory experiments cannot provide, but they also raise serious ethical concerns.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Who is Genie Wiley?
Genie Wiley (not her real name) was a feral child who suffered extreme abuse and isolation for 13 years. Her father locked her in a room, cutting her off from normal human contact and language exposure.
Her daily reality was horrific - strapped to a potty for 13 hours, beaten for making noise, and completely isolated from the outside world. She had no exposure to normal conversation or social interaction during these crucial developmental years.
This extreme social deprivation created a tragic but scientifically important case for studying language development. Her situation was unlike anything researchers had encountered before.
Remember: Genie's case shows the devastating effects of extreme isolation during critical developmental periods.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Discovery and Rescue
In 1970, Genie's partially blind mother finally escaped the abusive household. When she accidentally walked into a social services office instead of the disability benefits office, everything changed.
The social worker immediately recognised that something was seriously wrong - Genie appeared much younger than her actual age of 13. Police were called straight away, and Genie became a ward of the court.
This accidental discovery led to one of psychology's most studied cases. Without this chance encounter, Genie might never have been found.
Think About It: Sometimes the most important psychological discoveries happen by accident rather than through planned research.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Initial Treatment and Testing
Genie was rushed to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, where linguists began extensive testing. They used dichotic listening tests to understand her language processing abilities.
Her initial language skills were extremely limited. She could only say a few words like "sorry," "no more," and "mama." She understood slightly more, including basic colour words like "blue" and "orange."
The fact that it took weeks for her to even respond to speech showed the severe impact of her isolation. Her language development had been almost completely stunted.
Key Insight: Genie's limited vocabulary at age 13 demonstrates how crucial early language exposure is for normal development.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Impact on Chomsky's Language Theories
Noam Chomsky believed all children are born with a Language Acquisition Device (LAD) - a natural ability to learn language without heavy parental reinforcement. Genie's case seriously challenges this theory.
If Chomsky was right, Genie should have been able to develop language naturally once exposed to it. However, even with intensive support, she never fully mastered speech or complex grammar.
By age 60, Genie still couldn't speak properly, suggesting there's no evidence for an innate LAD. Her case implies that language acquisition requires both biological readiness and environmental input during a critical period.
Exam Tip: Use Genie's case as evidence against Chomsky's LAD theory - her inability to fully acquire language despite exposure contradicts the idea of innate language abilities.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Impact on Skinner's Behavioural Theories
B.F. Skinner argued that language develops through reinforcement and social interaction. Genie's case provides mixed support for this behaviourist approach.
Her extremely limited interactions - mostly beatings and minimal speech - resulted in almost no language development. This supports Skinner's idea that social reinforcement is crucial for language learning.
However, her case also highlights the importance of timing. Even with later positive reinforcement and teaching, Genie couldn't fully develop normal language skills, suggesting there's a critical age for language learning that goes beyond simple behavioural conditioning.
Analysis Point: Genie's case shows that while social interaction matters for language (supporting Skinner), timing is equally crucial - you can't just learn language at any age.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user