Critical and Sensitive Periods

Question 1

Maturation

Answer 1

Refers to the orderly and sequential developmental changes which occur in the nervous system and other bodily structures that is controlled by our genes

Question 2

The principle of readiness

Answer 2

states that unless the necessary bodily structures and processes are sufficiently mature, then no amount of practise will produce the particular mental process or behaviour

Question 3

Developmental norm

Answer 3

A period of time in which the majority of people will develop certain skills or activities

Question 4

Critical Period

Answer 4

A stage , usually early in the lifespan, when an organism is most open to acquiring a specific cognitive or motor skill, as a normal part of development that cannot be acquired normally at a later stage of development .
- A period when an organism is most vulnerable to the deprivation or absence of certain environmental stimulus.

Question 5

Characteristics of Critical Periods

Answer 5

• Sudden start and end times
• Can lose the ability to learn something
• Unable to aquire later
• Children have far more plasticity than adults
• Critical periods are important in development

Question 6

Sensitive Period

Answer 6

A stage during biological maturation when an organism is able to acquire a particular skill or characteristic. A period of maximal plasticity, after which development within the domain will take more effort and be slower and incomplete.

Question 7

Characteristics of Sensitive Period

Answer 7

• Gradual/fluent start and end
• Best time for relevant learning
• Easily acquirable in sensitive period
• Can be acquired at a later time but may not be as effect or difficult to aquire