3D - Sensitive and critical periods in psychological development Flashcards
The role of sensitive and critical periods in a person’s psychological development
Consequences of Deprivation in Sensitive vs Critical Period
Sensitive Periods: Missing a skill during this time makes learning more challenging but not impossible.
Critical Periods: Missing a skill during this time can result in irreversible developmental issues.
What are sensitive periods in development?
Periods during development in which the effects of experience on development are particularly strong.
Why are sensitive periods referred to as ‘windows of opportunity’?
Because during these times, the brain and body are both ‘primed’ and ready to learn.
What happens if a skill or knowledge that is expected to be learned during a sensitive period does not occur at that time?
It can still be learned later, but it may take longer and be more difficult.
Why is learning easiest and most efficient during a sensitive period?
Because these periods are associated with heightened neuroplasticity in the brain.
What is neuroplasticity?
The ability of neural networks in the brain to change as a result of experience.
What is the sensitive period for spoken language?
From around 7 months to 3 years of age.
What is the sensitive period for learning to write?
From around 3.5 to 4.5 years of age.
What is the sensitive period for reading?
From 4.5 to 5.5 years of age.
What are critical periods in development?
Specific periods in development during which the individual is most vulnerable to the absence of certain environmental stimuli or experiences.
What is imprinting?
When a newly born animal forms an attachment to the first thing it sees.
Why is imprinting considered to have a critical period?
Because it occurs during a limited and severely restricted time in an animal’s early life.
List two differences between sensitive and critical periods in development.
- Critical periods have a well-defined beginning and end time.
- Sensitive periods can allow for learning to occur later, although less efficiently.
What was the aim of Wiesel and Hubel’s 1964 experiment using kittens?
To investigate the effects of deprivation of sensory stimulation on the development of the visual system.
What did the results of Wiesel and Hubel’s experiments demonstrate about critical periods and vision in mammals?
That deprivation of sensory stimuli has to happen in the first three months after birth to affect the neurons of the visual system.
Fill in the blank: Sensitive periods are sometimes referred to as _______.
[windows of opportunity]
Fill in the blank: Konrad Lorenz studied the concept of _______ in newly hatched goslings.
[imprinting]
What happens if certain environmental stimuli do not occur during a critical period?
The opportunity for learning a behavior or skill is lost and does not come again.
What evidence did Hubel and Wiesel provide regarding critical periods in their research?
That loss of sensory stimuli during critical periods has lifelong effects on development.
True or False: Sensitive periods are more limited in duration compared to critical periods.
False
