Last Minute Lecture

Infant Growth and Brain Development — Summary of Chapter 5 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span The first two years of life represent one of the most critical periods in human development. Chapter 5 of Kathleen Stassen Berger’s The Developing Person Through the Life Span focuses on biosocial development during infancy, including physical growth, brain development, sensory maturation, motor skills, and essential survival factors. This summary offers a comprehensive overview of how infants grow, adapt, and thrive in their earliest months. Watch the video above for a podcast-style walkthrough of all key concepts covered in this chapter, or continue reading below for a detailed and structured study guide. Body Growth and Physical Changes Rapid Growth in the First Year Infants typically triple their birth weight and grow nearly 12 inches within their first year. Head circumference expands significantly, reflecting intense brain development. Growth charts use perce...

Stages of Prenatal Development and Birth — Summary of Chapter 4 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span Human development begins before birth, and the prenatal stage lays the foundation for all future growth. Chapter 4 of Kathleen Stassen Berger’s The Developing Person Through the Life Span offers a detailed overview of prenatal development, the birth process, and the challenges faced by both newborns and parents. This chapter highlights the incredible complexity of early development while addressing common risks and adaptations during and after birth. Watch the full video above for a concise, podcast-style walkthrough of the entire chapter, or continue reading for a structured breakdown of key topics in prenatal and newborn development. The Three Stages of Prenatal Development 1. Germinal Period (First 2 Weeks) This stage begins with the formation of a zygote through the union of sperm and egg. Rapid cell division and cell differentiation begin immediately, b...

How Genes and Environment Shape Development — Summary of Chapter 3 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span How much of who we are is determined by our DNA? How do external factors like nutrition or culture interact with genetics? Chapter 3 of Kathleen Stassen Berger’s The Developing Person Through the Life Span explores the fascinating relationship between genes, environment, and human development. This chapter provides essential insights into how genetic blueprints and life experiences collaborate to shape individual traits, behaviors, and health outcomes. Watch the full summary above or read below for a detailed breakdown of key concepts, from DNA to epigenetics to ethical debates around gene editing. The Blueprint: Genes and DNA At the foundation of human development are genes —segments of DNA located on chromosomes . Humans have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. Each gene may exist in different forms, known as alleles , which lead to variations in traits s...

Major Theories of Human Development — Summary of Chapter 2 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span How do we explain human growth, personality, and behavior across the lifespan? Chapter 2 of Kathleen Stassen Berger’s The Developing Person Through the Life Span introduces students to the most influential developmental theories in psychology. This chapter breaks down how leading thinkers like Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Skinner interpreted the complex journey of human development. Watch the video above for an audio summary of each theory, or read below for a structured guide to the foundational ideas shaping developmental psychology. Psychodynamic Theory: Freud and Erikson Sigmund Freud proposed that development occurs through a series of psychosexual stages , where unconscious desires and conflicts shape personality. Each stage focuses on different erogenous zones and unresolved conflicts that influence adult behavior. Erik Erikson extended Freud’s ide...

What Is Human Development? A Summary of Chapter 1 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span Human development is a lifelong journey influenced by biology, environment, and culture. Chapter 1 of Kathleen Stassen Berger’s textbook, The Developing Person Through the Life Span , lays the foundation for understanding this complex field of psychology. Whether you're prepping for an exam or looking to grasp the basics of developmental psychology, this summary offers a clear and accessible overview. Watch the full podcast-style breakdown above or read on for a comprehensive review of key concepts and terminology that form the backbone of human development studies. Defining Human Development Human development refers to the scientific study of how and why people grow, change, or remain the same over time. This discipline seeks to understand physical, cognitive, emotional, and social transformations across the entire lifespan. The goal is not only to observe these patterns ...