What is the difference between a critical period and a sensitive period?
A) With a critical period, the brain is at a stage where it is the most malleable; with a sensitive period, the brain is less malleable but with the right environmental stimulation it can be more malleable.
B) With a critical period, the environmental stimulation must occur at a specific time window or else the ability never develops; with a sensitive period, it is possible to acquire the ability outside of the time window with lots of work.
C) With a critical period, the time window for a specific environmental stimulation to occur is very flexible; with a sensitive period, the time window for a specific environmental stimulation is extremely rigid, and without it, the ability won't develop.
D) With a critical period, we see abrupt changes in the ability with environmental stimulation; with a sensitive period, the changes we see are much less abrupt.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Critical periods are specific times during development when certain skills or abilities must be learned, or the window for learning them closes permanently. Sensitive periods are more flexible; learning can still occur outside these periods, but it may require more effort.

What Is the Difference Between a Critical Period and a Sensitive