Originated from Konrad Lorenz's 'Imprinting' research.
Baby geese 'imprint' on the first moving object they see within 12-17 hours of hatching. Lorenz made goslings follow him instead of their mother.
Critical periods in humans:
1. Vision (0-3 years): Optimal time for strabismus correction
2. Language (0-7 years): The 'Genie' case
- A girl isolated until age 13 never fully acquired language
3. Attachment (0-2 years): Bowlby's theory
Modern research prefers 'Sensitive Period' - learning is easier during this window but not impossible afterward.
Developmental
Critical Period
Windows of development that close