Psychology: Understanding Psychology: Student Web Activity: Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Psychology: Present and Future

"Psychologist of the Century"

Introduction
Imagine that the American Psychological Association (APA) is requesting that psychology students submit nominations for the association's very first "Psychologist of the Century" award. For more than 100 years, the science of psychology has been helping us understand our world and others by giving us reasons for behavior. Psychologists have made contributions that have improved our lives and their theories continue to inspire further research. The APA is asking students to nominate the psychologist who has made the most significant contribution to society and most improved humankind's quality of life. To collect data on the contributions of your nominee, go to the Classics in the History of Psychology Web site.

Destination Title: Classics in the History of Psychology
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Directions

Start at the Classics in the History of Psychology Web site.
Choose a psychologist to research by clicking on "Author."
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. How did your candidate's theories improve our quality of life?

2. Describe experiments that the psychologist used to collect data.

3. What tests did he or she devise to measure behavior?

4. What further studies did the psychologist's work inspire?

5. Using your research, write a letter to the APA nominating committee arguing for the selection of your candidate to be "Psychologist of the Century." Make sure your letter convinces the committee of the ways in which your candidate's work has enhanced our lives.