Invitation to the Life Span
Sixth Edition ©2025 Kathleen Stassen Berger Formats: Achieve, Read & Practice, E-book, Print
As low as C$59.99
As low as C$59.99
- Product Overview
- Content Material
- Assessment
- Reports and Insights
- Teaching Resources
- Support and Services
Authors
-
Kathleen Berger
Kathleen Stassen Berger transferred from Stanford University to Radcliffe, earning a B.A. and M.A.T. from Harvard University, and then an M.S. and Ph.D. from Yeshiva University, all while teaching adolescents. Her broad experience as a learner and educator includes directing a preschool, chairing philosophy at the United Nations International School, and teaching human development to graduate students at Fordham University, undergraduates at Montclair State University, aspiring professionals at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and incarcerated individuals at Sing Sing Prison. For most of her professional career, Berger has been a professor at Bronx Community College of the City University of New York.
Berger is also the author of Invitation to the Life Span, The Developing Person Through Childhood and Adolescence, and A Topical Approach to the Developing Person Through the Life Span, as well as Grandmothering: Building Strong Ties with Every Generation. Berger’s research interests include adolescent identity, immigration, bullying, and grandparents, and she has published articles in the Wiley Encyclopedia of Psychology, Developmental Review , and Human Development, and in publications of the American Association for Higher Education and the National Education Association for Higher Education. She continues teaching and learning, not only from students and friends but also from four daughters and three grandsons.
Table of Contents
Product Updates
August 2025 Update - New Data Literacy Activities Launched
Prepare Students for Research, Careers, and Beyond with Data Literacy
In psychology and the social sciences, data literacy is no longer optional—it’s foundational. From APA standards to employer expectations, the ability to read, analyze, and interpret data—all with ethically-sound research processes—is a core competency for today’s students.
Our Data Literacy Activities are designed to support your curriculum by targeting the five essential skill areas identified in both educational and workplace research:
- Let’s Take a Look!: Visual Displays of Data – Helps students confidently interpret charts, tables, and visual data
- How’d You Do That?: Methods in Psychological Research – Teaches when and how to apply different research approaches
- Why, Why, Why?: Quantitative versus Qualitative Research – Clarifies these core concepts and their practical uses
- Chart It, Sort It, Spot It!: Descriptive Statistics – Reinforces statistical thinking in an accessible way
- They Did Not!: Ethics in Psychological Research – Emphasizes responsible data use, aligned with APA ethics codes
These skills not only support degree requirements and APA guidelines, but also help boost the basic data skills that employers expect from day one.
Integrate data literacy into your course with ready-to-use, targeted content that complements your teaching and promotes student readiness—for research, for graduate study, and for the job market. Support your students with the skills that matter. Let’s build data fluency—together.
Achieve Updates
For the new edition, Achieve offers additional video resources, revised and updated Instructor’s Resources, free iClicker integration, and new Concept Practice tutorials.
Critical Thinking Enhancements
This edition emphasizes distinguishing opinion from fact with “Think Critically” questions throughout the text, fostering deeper analytical skills essential for independent thinking and informed decision-making in real-world scenarios.
Enhanced Focus on Culture and Diversity
Expanded discussions and analyses on culture and diversity ensure students gain a broader understanding of the diverse contexts influencing human development.
Updated Visualizing Development Infographics
New infographics like "Different People in Different Environments" and "Media Use Among U.S. Adults" clarify complex concepts and promote engaging learning experiences.
Incorporation of Contemporary Topics and Research
Addressing subjects such as epigenetics, intersectionality, Covid-19, and neurocognitive disorders, this edition remains relevant and reflective of the latest advancements and societal issues, equipping students with current, comprehensive knowledge.
Authors
-
Kathleen Berger
Kathleen Stassen Berger transferred from Stanford University to Radcliffe, earning a B.A. and M.A.T. from Harvard University, and then an M.S. and Ph.D. from Yeshiva University, all while teaching adolescents. Her broad experience as a learner and educator includes directing a preschool, chairing philosophy at the United Nations International School, and teaching human development to graduate students at Fordham University, undergraduates at Montclair State University, aspiring professionals at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and incarcerated individuals at Sing Sing Prison. For most of her professional career, Berger has been a professor at Bronx Community College of the City University of New York.
Berger is also the author of Invitation to the Life Span, The Developing Person Through Childhood and Adolescence, and A Topical Approach to the Developing Person Through the Life Span, as well as Grandmothering: Building Strong Ties with Every Generation. Berger’s research interests include adolescent identity, immigration, bullying, and grandparents, and she has published articles in the Wiley Encyclopedia of Psychology, Developmental Review , and Human Development, and in publications of the American Association for Higher Education and the National Education Association for Higher Education. She continues teaching and learning, not only from students and friends but also from four daughters and three grandsons.
Table of Contents
Product Updates
August 2025 Update - New Data Literacy Activities Launched
Prepare Students for Research, Careers, and Beyond with Data Literacy
In psychology and the social sciences, data literacy is no longer optional—it’s foundational. From APA standards to employer expectations, the ability to read, analyze, and interpret data—all with ethically-sound research processes—is a core competency for today’s students.
Our Data Literacy Activities are designed to support your curriculum by targeting the five essential skill areas identified in both educational and workplace research:
- Let’s Take a Look!: Visual Displays of Data – Helps students confidently interpret charts, tables, and visual data
- How’d You Do That?: Methods in Psychological Research – Teaches when and how to apply different research approaches
- Why, Why, Why?: Quantitative versus Qualitative Research – Clarifies these core concepts and their practical uses
- Chart It, Sort It, Spot It!: Descriptive Statistics – Reinforces statistical thinking in an accessible way
- They Did Not!: Ethics in Psychological Research – Emphasizes responsible data use, aligned with APA ethics codes
These skills not only support degree requirements and APA guidelines, but also help boost the basic data skills that employers expect from day one.
Integrate data literacy into your course with ready-to-use, targeted content that complements your teaching and promotes student readiness—for research, for graduate study, and for the job market. Support your students with the skills that matter. Let’s build data fluency—together.
Achieve Updates
For the new edition, Achieve offers additional video resources, revised and updated Instructor’s Resources, free iClicker integration, and new Concept Practice tutorials.
Critical Thinking Enhancements
This edition emphasizes distinguishing opinion from fact with “Think Critically” questions throughout the text, fostering deeper analytical skills essential for independent thinking and informed decision-making in real-world scenarios.
Enhanced Focus on Culture and Diversity
Expanded discussions and analyses on culture and diversity ensure students gain a broader understanding of the diverse contexts influencing human development.
Updated Visualizing Development Infographics
New infographics like "Different People in Different Environments" and "Media Use Among U.S. Adults" clarify complex concepts and promote engaging learning experiences.
Incorporation of Contemporary Topics and Research
Addressing subjects such as epigenetics, intersectionality, Covid-19, and neurocognitive disorders, this edition remains relevant and reflective of the latest advancements and societal issues, equipping students with current, comprehensive knowledge.
Defining the Lifespan Journey: Connecting lived experiences with the most current science
Kathleen Berger’s Invitation to the Life Span is a vital resource for developmental psychology students, with the author’s engaging narrative and cultural inclusivity resonating through 15 concise chapters and an epilogue. Updated with essential new research on brain development, childhood psychopathology, and Covid-19's impact, and enhanced with innovative interactive activities via Achieve, this edition offers its most powerful media-centered learning experience yet.Achieve - Learn Psychology. Build Skills for Life.
At Macmillan Learning, we’re reimagining what it means to teach - and learn psychology. Our authors bring diverse perspectives and immersive content to the classroom, connecting students to the real-world relevance of psychological science. Through purposeful and data driven AI-powered innovation and skill-building tools, Achieve helps students develop the habits they need to succeed in school, at work, and beyond.
Achieve turns this vision into action - giving instructors powerful tools to help students think critically, apply psychological concepts, and reflect on their own learning.
New in Achieve Explore new, interactive learning tools that connect psychological science to real-world application
- Foundational Skills Modules for note-taking, time management, and study strategies
- Data Literacy Activities across visual data, ethics, methods, and statistics
- AI Skills Modules on AI history, function, and ethical use
- Goal Setting & Reflection Survey Summaries and Cards to guide goal-setting and progress tracking
Each new activity is designed to deepen engagement and promote the habits that define successful learners and prepare them for the workforce.
Success Stories
Here are a few examples of how Achieve has helped instructors like you improve student preparedness, enhance their sense of belonging, and achieve course goals they set for themselves.
Prof. Kiandra Johnson, Spelman College
See how the resources in Achieve help you engage students before, during, and after class.
Prof. Jennifer Duncan
Use diagnostics in Achieve for a snapshot into cognitive and non-cognitive factors that may impact your students’ preparedness.
Prof. Ryan Elsenpeter
Here’s why educators who use Achieve would recommend it to their peers.
Instructor Resources
Instructor Resources
Access Test Bank
You need to sign in as a verified instructor to access the Test Bank.
Test Bank for Invitation to the Life Span
Kathleen Stassen Berger | Sixth Edition | ©2025 | ISBN:9781319564766
Download Resources
You need to sign in to unlock your resources.
Image Slides for Invitation to the Life Span
Instructor's Resource Manual & Chapter Guide (.zip)
Lecture Slides for Invitation to the Life Span
NAEYC Standards (.pdf)
iClicker Slides for Invitation to the Life Span
You've selected:
Click the E-mail Download Link button and we'll send you an e-mail at with links to download your instructor resources. You will also be able to download your resources anytime from within your account once ready. Please note there may be a delay in delivering your e-mail depending on the size of the files.
Warning! These materials are owned by Macmillan Learning or its licensors and are protected by copyright laws in the United States and other jurisdictions. Such materials may include a digital watermark that is linked to your name and email address in your Macmillan Learning account to identify the source of any materials used in an unauthorised way and prevent online piracy. These materials are being provided solely for instructional use by instructors who have adopted Macmillan Learning’s accompanying textbooks or online products for use by students in their courses. These materials may not be copied, distributed, sold, shared, posted online, or used, in print or electronic format, except in the limited circumstances set forth in the Macmillan Learning Terms of Use and any other reproduction or distribution is illegal. These materials may not be made publicly available under any circumstances. All other rights reserved. For more information about the use of your personal data including for the purposes of anti-piracy enforcement, please refer to Macmillan Learning's.Privacy Notice
Thank you!
Your download request has been received and your download link will be sent to .
Please note you could wait up to 30 to 60 minutes to receive your download e-mail depending on the number and size of the files. You will also be able to download your resources anytime from within your account once ready. We appreciate your patience while we process your request.
Check your inbox, trash, and spam folders for an e-mail from InstructorResources@macmillan.com.
If you do not receive your e-mail, please visit macmillanlearning.com/support.
FAQs
-
-
Are you a campus bookstore looking for ordering information?
MPS Order Search Tool (MOST) is a web-based purchase order tracking program that allows customers to view and track their purchases. No registration or special codes needed! Just enter your BILL-TO ACCT # and your ZIP CODE to track orders.
Canadian Stores: Please use only the first five digits/letters in your zip code on MOST.
Visit MOST, our online ordering system for booksellers: https://tracking.mpsvirginia.com/Login.aspx
Learn more about our Bookstore programs here: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/contact-us/booksellers
-
-
-
Our courses currently integrate with Canvas, Blackboard (Learn and Ultra), Brightspace, D2L, and Moodle. Click on the support documentation below to find out more details about the integration with each LMS.
Integrate Macmillan courses with Blackboard
Integrate Macmillan courses with Canvas
-
-
-
If you’re a verified instructor, you can request a free sample of our courseware, e-book, or print textbook to consider for use in your courses. Only registered and verified instructors can receive free print and digital samples, and they should not be sold to bookstores or book resellers. If you don't yet have an existing account with Macmillan Learning, it can take up to two business days to verify your status as an instructor. You can request a free sample from the right side of this product page by clicking on the "Request Instructor Sample" button or by contacting your rep. Learn more.
-
-
-
Sometimes also referred to as a spiral-bound or binder-ready textbook, loose-leaf textbooks are available to purchase. This three-hole punched, unbound version of the book costs less than a hardcover or paperback book.
-
-
-
Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Most Achieve Essentials courses do not include our e-books and adaptive quizzing.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
-
-
-
Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Achieve Read & Practice only includes our e-book and adaptive quizzing, and does not include instructor resources and assignable assessments. Read & Practice does integrate with LMS.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
-
-
-
We can help! Contact your representative to discuss your specific needs for your course. If our off-the-shelf course materials don’t quite hit the mark, we also offer custom solutions made to fit your needs.
-
ISBN:9781319564810
Access all your course tools in one place!
ISBN:9781319564575
Come to class prepared with quizzing and an e-book.
ISBN:9781319564964
Take notes, add highlights, and download our mobile-friendly e-books.
ISBN:9781319564551
Save money with our hole-punched, loose-leaf textbook.
ISBN:9781319473969
Read and study old-school with our bound texts.
ISBN:9781319596767
This package includes Achieve and Loose-Leaf.
FAQs
-
-
Are you a campus bookstore looking for ordering information?
MPS Order Search Tool (MOST) is a web-based purchase order tracking program that allows customers to view and track their purchases. No registration or special codes needed! Just enter your BILL-TO ACCT # and your ZIP CODE to track orders.
Canadian Stores: Please use only the first five digits/letters in your zip code on MOST.
Visit MOST, our online ordering system for booksellers: https://tracking.mpsvirginia.com/Login.aspx
Learn more about our Bookstore programs here: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/contact-us/booksellers
-
-
-
Our courses currently integrate with Canvas, Blackboard (Learn and Ultra), Brightspace, D2L, and Moodle. Click on the support documentation below to find out more details about the integration with each LMS.
Integrate Macmillan courses with Blackboard
Integrate Macmillan courses with Canvas
-
-
-
If you’re a verified instructor, you can request a free sample of our courseware, e-book, or print textbook to consider for use in your courses. Only registered and verified instructors can receive free print and digital samples, and they should not be sold to bookstores or book resellers. If you don't yet have an existing account with Macmillan Learning, it can take up to two business days to verify your status as an instructor. You can request a free sample from the right side of this product page by clicking on the "Request Instructor Sample" button or by contacting your rep. Learn more.
-
-
-
Sometimes also referred to as a spiral-bound or binder-ready textbook, loose-leaf textbooks are available to purchase. This three-hole punched, unbound version of the book costs less than a hardcover or paperback book.
-
-
-
Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Most Achieve Essentials courses do not include our e-books and adaptive quizzing.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
-
-
-
Achieve (full course) includes our complete e-book, as well as online quizzing tools, multimedia assets, and iClicker active classroom manager.
Achieve Read & Practice only includes our e-book and adaptive quizzing, and does not include instructor resources and assignable assessments. Read & Practice does integrate with LMS.
Visit our comparison table for details: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/digital/achieve/compare
-
-
-
We can help! Contact your representative to discuss your specific needs for your course. If our off-the-shelf course materials don’t quite hit the mark, we also offer custom solutions made to fit your needs.
-
Invitation to the Life Span
Kathleen Berger’s Invitation to the Life Span is a vital resource for developmental psychology students, with the author’s engaging narrative and cultural inclusivity resonating through 15 concise chapters and an epilogue. Updated with essential new research on brain development, childhood psychopathology, and Covid-19's impact, and enhanced with innovative interactive activities via Achieve, this edition offers its most powerful media-centered learning experience yet.
Select a demo to view:
Sample Achieve