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... > social science subjects > psychology > behavior mechanisms > human development > applied developmental science > developmental processes > critical-period hypothesis

Preferred term

critical-period hypothesis  

Definition

  • The critical period or sensitive period refers to a limited time span usually early in the life cycle, during which a certain kind of experience will have a profound impact on future structure and function (Bailey, Bruer, Symons, & Lichtman, 2001; Bornstein, 1987, 1988; Colombo, 1982). Critical periods are rarely brief and seldom sharply defined. [Source: Encyclopedia of Applied Developmental Science; Critical-Period Hypothesis]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/critical-period_hypothesis

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