YERKES, ROBERT MEARNS (1876- 1956): Definition, History and Characteristics
Robert Mearns Yerkes was an American psychologist and primatologist who, during his career, conducted groundbreaking research on primates, intelligence testing, and animal behavior. Yerkes was a pioneer in the science of animal behavior, and his research on primates and intelligence testing has had a lasting impact on the study of animal behavior and cognitive science.
Definition
Yerkes was a psychologist and primatologist who conducted pioneering research on primates, intelligence testing, and animal behavior. He is best known for his research into the behavior of primates, which laid the foundation for primate studies in the 20th century. He is also known for developing the first intelligence tests for humans, which were used in the military and educational settings.
History
Yerkes was born in 1876 in the United States. He received a degree in psychology from Harvard University in 1898 and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1903. After completing his studies, he accepted a teaching position at Harvard and began working on research projects related to animal behavior. He was particularly interested in primates and their behavior.
In 1911, Yerkes founded the Harvard Psychological Laboratory, which focused on research into animal behavior. He conducted extensive research into primate behavior and developed the first intelligence tests for humans. The tests were used in the military and educational settings, and are still used today.
Yerkes’ research into animal behavior had a lasting impact on the field of psychology. He is credited with laying the foundation for primate studies in the 20th century, and his work on intelligence testing was instrumental in the development of cognitive science.
Characteristics
Yerkes was an influential figure in the study of animal behavior. He was a pioneering researcher who conducted groundbreaking research into the behavior of primates and the development of intelligence tests. He was also a mentor to many prominent psychologists, including B.F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike.
Yerkes was a strong advocate for animal welfare. He advocated for humane treatment of animals in research and was a founding member of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He was also a proponent of the idea that animals should be treated with respect and dignity.
Conclusion
Robert Mearns Yerkes was an influential figure in the study of animal behavior and intelligence testing. His research laid the foundation for primate studies in the 20th century and his work on intelligence testing was instrumental in the development of cognitive science. He was also a strong advocate for animal welfare and advocated for humane treatment of animals in research.
References
Dewsbury, D.A. (1999). Yerkes, Robert Mearns. In E.A. Cardwell (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Psychology (Vol. 8, pp. 571-572). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Mack, J.E. (1997). The Medicalization of Society: On the Transformation of Human Conditions Into Treatable Disorders. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
McGrew, W.C. (1998). Robert Mearns Yerkes (1876–1956): Pioneer in Primate Studies. American Psychologist, 53(5), 486–488. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.53.5.486