Sensitive and critical periods

Define critical period

A critical period is a specific period in development during which an organism is most vulnerable to the deprivation or absence of certain environmental stimuli or experiences.

Define a sensitive period

A sensitive period is a period of time during development when an individual is more responsive('sensitive') to certain types of experiences or learning.

When do critical periods occur?

Critical periods have identifiable starting and ending times, thereby tending to begin and end suddenly, rather than gradually(if at all.)

How long do sensitive periods last with respect to physical characteristics and psychological characteristics.

Generally, sensitive periods tend to last for relatively short periods of time for physical characteristics and longer periods for psychological characteristics.

When is the sensitive period for learning to speak our native language?

Generally, the sensitive period for learning to speak our native language is up to the age of about 12 years, with the window gradually closing from about the age of 7. Although we can learn to speak a second language at anytime after childhood, if acquisition occurs before the ages of 5-7 years our competence will be like that of a native speaker.

Explain sensitive periods

Sensitive periods are the optimal times for the relevant learning to occur. E.g. Certain skills and knowledge such as those of oral language acquisition can be more easily acquired during a sensitive period.

What do sensitive periods indicate in terms of brain development?

Sensitive periods indicate that brain development goes through specific periods during which some synaptic connections are most easily made and some neural pathways are most easily formed, assuming there is exposure to the appropriate environmental stimulus. The rapid increase in the number synapses during synaptogenesis early in development may reflect the brain preparing itself to respond to certain types of experiences as if it is getting ready for the learning of experiences that are expected during a sensitive period.

When do sensitive periods occur?

Sensitive periods occur during prenatal development and during the postnatal period when developmental changes are not as rapid.

Can skills and knowledge be learned at a later time after a sensitive period has passed?

Yes. Skills and knowledge 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.