Unit 1.1.4 - Critical + Sensitive Periods

Question 1

Maturation

Answer 1

• Biologically programmed process of growth
• Has a fixed sequence
• Facilitates all aspects of development from conception to adulthood

Question 2

Difference between critical + sensitive periods

Answer 2

• Flexibility due to different brain regions being more malleable (having more plasticity) at different times
• Critical = less flexible
• Sensitive = more flexible

Question 3

Critical periods

Answer 3

• Specific period in development
• When an individual requires the presence of a certain environmental stimuli/experience.
• Very defined periods
• E.g. if a child is not exposed to language in the first few year they won’t ever gain fluent language skills

Question 4

Sensitive periods

Answer 4

• Times when an individual is more responsive to something in their enviro
• Optimal developmental period for specific skills/functions to be learnt
• E.g. acquisition of a second language is easier to learn before 12 but can be learnt later

Question 5

Story of Genie - Summary

Answer 5

• Experienced extreme neglect, abuse + isolations from 20 months to 13.5 years
• When discovered was very behind children her age in development
• After a few years she could verbally produce single words + combine 2 words to form a sentence