Last Minute Lecture

Cognitive Growth, Language, and Early Schooling — Summary of Chapter 9 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span How do young children think, speak, and learn? Chapter 9 of Kathleen Stassen Berger’s The Developing Person Through the Life Span dives into the cognitive leaps of early childhood. It explores how executive function, symbolic thinking, language acquisition, and various approaches to early education support developmental growth from ages 2 to 6. Grounded in the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, this chapter emphasizes the powerful role of interaction, play, and structure in shaping a child’s mind. Watch the full video above for a chapter breakdown in podcast form, or continue reading for a detailed summary of how young minds grow and learn through language and education. Cognitive Development in Early Childhood Executive Function Executive function includes working memory , inhibitory control , and cognitive flexibility —skills that underpin school readin...

Immediate Memory and Working Memory Systems — Chapter 4 Summary from Cognitive Psychology How do we hold and manipulate information in real-time? Chapter 4 of Cognitive Psychology introduces the concept of immediate memory , a critical cognitive system that supports reasoning, problem-solving, and comprehension. In this chapter summary from Last Minute Lecture , we explore foundational memory models, executive attention, and the complex mechanisms that allow us to retain and work with information actively within consciousness. Watch the full summary above or continue reading to understand how immediate memory operates, what limits it, and why it matters for learning, focus, and mental control. What Is Immediate Memory? Immediate memory refers to the active processing and manipulation of information currently held in consciousness. Unlike long-term memory, it is transient and capacity-limited. It plays a vital role in decision-making, problem-solving, and language comprehen...

Executive Function, Memory & Risk-Taking — Neuroscience for Dummies Chapter 14 Summary Welcome back to Last Minute Lecture ! In this podcast-style summary of Chapter 14 from Neuroscience for Dummies (3rd Edition) , we focus on the brain’s most complex region—the prefrontal cortex —and its essential role in decision-making, memory, and behavior regulation. This chapter explores how executive functions develop, how we regulate impulses, and why some people are more prone to risky behavior or perseveration. The Prefrontal Cortex & Executive Control The prefrontal cortex is the brain’s command center for executive functions—goal-setting, planning, and behavioral inhibition. Its evolution in primates and humans has allowed for more complex, flexible thinking and long-term decision-making. This area is central to regulating our responses, planning future actions, and interpreting social consequences. Within the prefrontal cortex, working memory is supported by fast brai...

Intelligence, Memory & Consciousness — Neuroscience for Dummies Chapter 12 Summary: Brain Function, Emotion & AI Welcome to the final chapter breakdown from Last Minute Lecture for Neuroscience for Dummies (3rd Edition) . In Chapter 12, we explore the neuroscience of intelligence , consciousness , and cognitive processing . This episode examines how the brain generates thought, stores memory, controls emotion, and supports awareness. We also touch on artificial intelligence and whether machines can ever truly replicate human consciousness. What Is Intelligence? Modern neuroscience recognizes that intelligence is multifaceted. According to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, humans may excel in areas like: Linguistic Intelligence: Language and verbal reasoning Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: Abstract thinking and pattern recognition Spatial Intelligence: Mental visualization and spatial awareness Musical Intelligence: Sensitivity to ...

Understanding ADHD in Children — Chapter 8 Summary from Mash & Wolfe What causes ADHD, and how can it be effectively treated? Chapter 8 of Child Psychopathology by Eric J. Mash and David A. Wolfe explores the neurobiological underpinnings, diagnostic criteria, developmental course, and treatment strategies for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood mental health conditions. What Is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily life. According to the DSM-5-TR , there are three presentations: ADHD-PI: Predominantly inattentive ADHD-HI: Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD-C: Combined presentation Symptoms must be developmentally inappropriate, appear before age 12, and be present in two or more settings (e.g., home and school) for a formal diagnosis. Neurobiological and Cognitive Mechanisms Resear...