Question

critical periods suggest that: group of answer choices personality is altered by relationships and experiences continuously throughout a lifetime. specific time frames exist when organisms are especially sensitive to environmental factors. in spite of environmental influences, personality is generally stable over the life span. development is gradual and continuous across the life span, without definite stages.

Answer 1

Critical periods suggest that there are specific sensitive times during development when the impact of environmental factors is more pronounced, influencing personality and other aspects of development in potentially lasting ways. Therefore correct option is B

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of critical periods suggests that there are specific time frames during which organisms are particularly sensitive to certain environmental factors. For instance, during these critical periods, particular parts or organs in fetal development are shaped, and missing these windows can result in missing out on essential developmental milestones. This view supports the idea that development can be discontinuous, as it may happen in unique stages rather than being a smooth transition across the lifespan.

Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory of personality development posits that our development goes beyond childhood and continues throughout our entire life, influenced significantly by our social interactions. This differs from the notion that personality is mostly stable over the lifespan or shaped only in early childhood, as Freud suggested with his psychosexual stages.

In summary, critical periods align with the view that there are specific sensitive time frames when environmental factors have a more pronounced influence on development, suggesting that personality and development can be affected significantly during certain stages of an individual's life.