Wize University Psychology Textbook > Sensation & Perception
Critical Periods and Early Development
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Critical Periods and Early Development
Critical period - a period of development in which certain experiences must occur for perception and brain development to proceed normally.
The critical period for visual acuity in humans is approximately from birth to age 10.
Interplay between biology and experience drives the development of our sensory and perceptual systems - biology influences experience and vice versa.
Early deprivation (from sensory loss or from a deprived environment) can influence later perception and shape brain development.
Examples:
- Individuals who learn braille have larger regions on their somatosensory cortex devoted to their fingertips.
- People who grow up in isolated communities in rainforests do not understand visual cues for size constancy because they haven't been able to see far away things before. They may also not understand other monocular depth cues and visual illusions.
Practice: Critical Periods and Early Development
If a person with impaired vision does not receive correction until after age 10, what is likely to happen to their visual system?