critical period

1. an early stage in life when an organism is especially open to specific learning, emotional, or socializing experiences that occur as part of normal development and will not recur at a later stage. For example, the first 3 days of life are thought to constitute a critical period for imprinting in ducks, and there may be a critical period for language acquisition in human infants. See also sensitive period.

2. in vision, the period of time after birth, varying from weeks (in cats) to months (in humans), in which full, binocular visual stimulation is necessary for the structural and functional maturation of the visual system. See also monocular rearing.

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Psychology term of the day

April 20th 2024

faith healing

1. the treatment of physical or psychological illness by means of religious practices, such as prayer or “laying on of hands.” Adherents hold that this may be effective even when those being prayed for have no knowledge of the fact and no belief in the process themselves. Also called faith cure; religious healing; spiritual healing.

2. any form of unorthodox medical treatment whose efficacy is said to depend upon the patient’s faith in the healer or the healing process (see placebo effect). In such cases, any beneficial effects may be attributed to a psychosomatic process rather than a paranormal or supernatural one. See also mental healing; psychic healing.