Which cognitive function is hindered by grammatical overgeneralization when children incorrectly apply language rules?

Grammatical overgeneralization occurs when children apply regular rules of grammar to words that are exceptions to those rules, such as saying "goed" instead of "went." This phenomenon primarily affects language production, which involves the ability to create and articulate sentences. When children overgeneralize grammatical rules, they demonstrate a developmental stage where they are internalizing language rules but may not yet have learned all the exceptions.

This process highlights their active engagement with language and the cognitive function of producing speech. The implications of grammatical overgeneralization specifically reflect challenges in producing language correctly and fluently, as the child is constrained by their understanding of applicable grammar rules.

In contrast to other options, while comprehension, social communication, and vocabulary definitely play roles in a child’s overall language development, grammatical overgeneralization itself is most directly related to the process of language production.