PSY 321: Lifespan Development

Uncover the role of teratogens in fetal development with a focus on alcohol's impact. Understand the critical function of the placenta and how certain substances can bypass this protective barrier, potentially harming the fetus. Grasp the risks and implications of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

This video explores Jean Piaget's theories of child development, specifically focusing on Concrete Operational and Formal Operational Thinking stages and illustrating their distinctions through the Pendulum Experiment.

Discover the crucial role of therapists in addressing mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Explore various therapy options and understand why cognitive, group, rational-emotive, and client-centered therapies may not be the right fit for everyone. Uncover the essence of behavior therapy, where therapists collaborate with patients to recognize and transform troublesome behaviors for a healthier future.

Uncover the philosophical origins of nerve pathways and reflexes. Discover how René Descartes shaped our understanding of the body's automatic responses. Differentiate his contributions from other famous thinkers.

Discover the essential process of neural pruning in brain development, distinct from creating new connections, managing neural waste, or increasing brain weight. Uncover how this natural "clean-up" refines our neural network, making our brains more efficient in processing information. Explore the impact of neural pruning on cognitive growth and the interaction between genetics and environment in brain development.

Explore the concept of social traps, exemplified by the Tragedy of the Commons and its real-world implications like overfishing. Delve into mirror-image perceptions in scenarios such as sports rivalries and international conflicts, uncovering the root causes of negative stereotypes and hostilities. Discover the importance of fostering communication, empathy, and cooperation to break the cycle of negativity in various contexts.