Sin death and beyond

SIN, DEATH AND BEYOND: M.M.NINAN
"During a critical period, a pathway awaits specific instructional information in order to continue
develop normally. It appropriate experience is not gained during the critical period, the
pathway never attains the ability to process information in a normal fashion and, as a result,
perception or behavior is impaired permanently.“
Alternatively ..
"During a critical period, a pathway maintains a state of vulnerability to unusual stimuli. ... If an
inappropriate experience is maintained during the critical period, the pathway sustains
adaptive changes permanently."
Most of us view sensitive and critical periods from the perspective of behavior. Many aspects
of our perceptual,
cognitive, and emotional capabilities are shaped powerfully by experiences we have during
limited periods in life. For example, the capacity to perceive stereoscopic depth requires early
experience with fused binocular vision (Crawford, Harwerth, Smith, 8: von Noorden, 1996;
Jampolsky, 1978); the capacity to process a language proficiently requires early exposure to
the language (Newport, Bavelier, 8: Neville, 2001; Weber-Fox 8: Neville, 1996; Kuhl, 1994;
Oyama, 1976); and the capacities to form strong social relationships and exhibit typical
responses to stress require early positive interactions with a primary care giver (Thompson,
1999; Liuet al., 1997; Leiderman, 1981; Hess, 1975). In each case, the experience must he of
a particular kind and it must occur within a certain period if the behavior is to develop
normally..
Here are some of the effects of sensitive period experience which makes permanent changes
in human character. These involve selective exposure and selective avoidance of exposure
during the period.
14