Once a sensitive period passes A. Learning cannot occur B. Learning can occur but is less efficient C. A fetus is unaffected by teratogens D. A fetus is more likely to be affected by teratogens
Health · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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B. Learning can occur but is less efficient
The concept of "sensitive periods" refers to specific times during development when the brain is particularly receptive to learning certain skills. After a sensitive period has passed, learning the skills associated with that period is typically still possible, but it often requires more time and effort and may not be as successful. This concept is often associated with language acquisition and other cognitive and motor skills.
Extra: The theory of sensitive periods is linked to developmental psychology and was notably advanced by the work of Maria Montessori, among others. It posits that children pass through specific stages in which their brains are especially capable of acquiring various abilities. For example, early childhood is considered a sensitive period for language development. During this time, children can learn multiple languages more naturally and more easily than during later stages of life.
The term "sensitive period" can sometimes be conflated with the term "critical period," although the two are not the same. A critical period is a more strict and inflexible window when a particular development event must occur, if it is to occur at all. For example, the first few hours after the birth of many animals are considered a critical period for imprinting — the process by which a newborn animal acquires certain behavioral characteristics from its parent.
In contrast, sensitive periods are more flexible; although there is an optimal time for certain skills to be learned, these skills can still be acquired later on with more effort. The efficiency of learning these skills outside the sensitive period may be lower because the brain is less plastic (i.e., able to change and adapt) later in life. However, with proper instruction and practice, individuals can often overcome these limitations to some degree.