Read and respond to the following description: When referring to psychology, a critical period is defined as

Fantastic news! We've Found the answer you've been seeking!

Question:

Read and respond to the following description:

When referring to psychology, a critical period is defined as a maturational stage in the lifespan of an organism during which the nervous system is especially sensitive to certain environmental stimuli. The critical period is a given time period when an organism is supposed to develop a specific trait or skill. If development of the trait or skill is not successful during this critical period of development it may be very difficult or even impossible for it to develop properly later in life.

In brain development in humans, and most mammals, the vestibular system which includes in the sensory system that provides the leading contribution about the sense of balance and spatial orientation, develops in the critical period of 2-3 weeks after birth. This development helps develop regular motor skills throughout life.

The critical periods in perceptual development include visual and auditory development. In mammals, neurons in the brain, which process vision, actually develop after birth based on signals from the eyes. It has been shown that if vision is impaired within the critical period vision will never fully develop. This could be in one or both eyes depending on whether or not both eyes are impaired or deprived of sight during this period. Auditory processing has also shown to have better development during young age. Research with cochlear implants shows that if the implant is received when the recipient is young, they are better able to develop normal functioning in the primary auditory cortex

Research has shown that increasing physical activity in pre-school aged children reduces the risk for chronic diseases later in life. The critical period for physical development does not necessarily determine physical ability in adulthood but rather helps establish a healthy cardio-metabolic profile in children.

Neuroplasticity refers to changes in neural pathways and synapses due to changes in behavior, environment, neural processes, thinking, and emotions. This also included changes resulting from bodily injury. Neuroplasticity has changed thinking from the idea that the brain remains physiologically the same throughout life and explores how the brain changes throughout life. Prior to the discovery of neuroplasticity, scientists believed that after the critical period brain structure was relatively unchangeable. Neuroscientific research indicates that experience can actually change both the brain's physical structure and functional organization. What this research indicates is that the critical periods of development may not be as set in stone as one thought. Experiences or injuries allow for the brain to change. The brain is able to adapt to injury and changes in environment and re-establish skills that were thought to only be able to be properly developed during their respectable critical period.