Last Minute Lecture

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology — Definitions, History, and Key Theories Explained | Chapter 1 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology is the scientific study of unusual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion, often associated with psychological disorders. Chapter 1 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology lays the foundation for understanding what defines abnormal behavior, how perspectives on mental health have evolved, and the integrative models that guide contemporary practice. This summary covers the definitions, historical developments, key theories, and essential concepts you’ll need for exam success. Watch the Chapter Summary Prefer to learn by listening? Watch the full podcast summary below and don’t forget to subscribe to the Last Minute Lecture channel for more chapter-based study guides. Defining Abnormal Behavior Abnormal behavior is typically defined as actions or patterns that cause significant distress, impair daily functioning, or...

Principles of Learning — Classical & Operant Conditioning Explained | Psychology Chapter 7 Summary This in-depth summary of Chapter 7 from Psychology (13th Edition) by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall explores the fundamental mechanisms of learning. The chapter details how experiences shape behavior through classical conditioning, operant conditioning, cognitive learning, and observational learning. Watch the full YouTube podcast summary for a comprehensive breakdown of learning principles and theories. Classical Conditioning: Associating Stimuli Classical conditioning, pioneered by Ivan Pavlov, explains how organisms learn to anticipate events by associating two stimuli. Key concepts include: Neutral Stimulus (NS): Initially does not trigger a response. Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Naturally triggers a response. Unconditioned Response (UR): Natural response to the US. Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously neutral stimulus that now triggers a condit...

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...

The Origins and Evolution of Cognitive Psychology — Chapter 1 Summary from Cognitive Psychology Cognitive psychology, the scientific study of how we think, perceive, remember, and learn, has a rich and complex history rooted in both philosophical inquiry and scientific experimentation. In this chapter summary from Last Minute Lecture , we trace the foundational developments that shaped the field, including the contributions of early pioneers, the rise of behaviorism, and the transformative impact of the cognitive revolution. This summary is based on Chapter 1 from the textbook Cognitive Psychology . Watch the full chapter breakdown above or continue reading to explore how cognitive psychology developed from early introspective methods to the computational models that dominate the field today. Philosophical and Scientific Roots The origins of cognitive psychology can be traced back to philosophical questions about the mind and knowledge. Thinkers like Plato and Descartes rais...