Sensistive periods vs. critical periods?

[AwayBroadcast]

There's a question in last year's sample exam that says:
Question 22
In humans and animals, the timing of an experience can significantly influence the learning that takes place.
Explain how a sensitive period in brain development differs from a critical period. Give an example of each.

I thought sensitive periods and critical periods were the same thing? That's what it says in my textbook at least.. Is this some sort of trick question, or... ? hahahaa

[emilyhobbes]

Nope, not a trick! Grivas doesn't cover timing of experiences well at all (I use it as well)

Sensitive periods:
- periods in which the organism is more responsive to a type of environmental stimuli
eg. learning to speak in first year
 
Critical periods:
- periods of time in development in which if a learned skill is not acquired, it will be nearly impossible to acquire
- more common in animals

So the difference is just that if something isn't learned in a sensitive period, it can still be learned later in life, it's just more difficult, whereas if it's not learning in a critical period, it'll never develop

[AwayBroadcast]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I was so confused hahahaha XD

[RTandon]

This is helpful in understanding as well! (:

[HiddenUser]

Anyone got examples for critical periods?

[RTandon]

Anyone got examples for critical periods?

Newly hatched gosling imprinting on the first thing they see- usually their mother