Like Human Infants, Kittens Are Born with the Ability to Detect

question 285

Essay

Like human infants, kittens are born with the ability to detect horizontal lines and vertical lines. In one famous study, kittens were exposed to either vertical or horizontal black and white stripes. Special collars kept them from seeing anything else, even their own bodies. In what way did the results of this study contribute to an understanding of critical periods in development? What evidence do we have of critical periods for sensory development in human beings?

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Definitions:

Logical

Pertaining to or characterized by clear, systematic reasoning and thought.

Rational

Based on logic or reason; capable of coherent thought processes leading to sound decisions or judgments.

Continuum

A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceivably different from each other, though the extremes are quite distinct.

Intense Relationships

Relationships characterized by strong emotions, extreme closeness or dependency, and often turbulent interactions.