1.1 sensitive and critical periods Flashcards
define sensitive period
A sensitive period is a period of time during development when a person (or animal) is more responsive (‘sensitive’) to certain types of environmental experiences or learning.
what can we do during a sensitive period?
Within this period of time, we can most rapidly acquire a particular skill or characteristic.
Outside this period of time, the same environmental experiences need to be stronger to produce the same positive or negative effects.
For example, in humans, the first year of life is considered significant for the development of a secure, enduring attachment between an infant and caregiver
what are sensitive periods also known as?
Sensitive periods are sometimes described as ‘windows of opportunity for learning’ because they are the optimal, or best possible, times for the relevant learning to occur.
can you acquire skills that are learned during sensitive periods outside of these periods?
If these skills and knowledge are not acquired during the sensitive period, they may be acquired at a later time, but it will usually take more time, be more difficult and the learning may not be as successful.
what happens when you have inappropriate significant experiences during a sensitive period?
A significant positive or negative environmental experience which occurs during a sensitive period can have long lasting effects on the individual’s development.
Lack of appropriate experiences during a sensitive period does not permanently and irreversibly affect development, as it would during a critical period, but rather makes the acquisition process outside the period more difficult.
what is the sensitive period for learning to speak a native language?
up to 12 years, gradually closes from abt 7 yrs
sensitive period for 2nd language?
before ages of 5-7 years, bc then you could speak like a native
what’s a critical period?
a specific period in development during which a person (or animal) is most vulnerable to the deprivation or absence of certain environmental experiences.
what sets sensitive periods and critical periods apart?
Critical periods have identifiable start and end times, thereby tending to begin and end suddenly, rather than gradually (if at all) as do sensitive periods.
an example showing the importance of a critical period?
If, for a certain time after birth, one eye of a cat or monkey is kept closed or does not function properly because of some abnormality such as a cataract, that eye will be forever blind.
