Sensitive periods are times when an individual is more responsive to environmental experiences or learning, while critical periods are specific times when lack of certain stimuli can harm development. Both refer to windows in psychological growth when outside influences have heightened impact.

1. Lesson 2: Sensitive and Critical periods in
Psychological development

2. A Sensitive period is a period of time during development
when an individual is more responsive (‘sensitive’) to certain
types of environmental experiences or learning.

3. A Critical period is a specific period in development
during which an organism is most vulnerable to the
deprivation or absence of certain environmental stimuli
or experiences.