James McKeen Cattell

Question 1

Cattells relation to Darwin

Answer 1

1. His thoughts were influenced by belief in Eugenics
2. Belief was influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution + promoted Cattell’s interest in studying “the psychology of individual differences”
3. Stated that he had “inherited ability”, but points out that also environment plays an important role in development
   ex. : Observation that men of science were likely to have fathers who were clergymen or professors

Question 2

Cattells life

Answer 2

1. Graduated at the Lafayette College with the highest honour + had remarkable mathematics skills
2. Visited Germany for graduate studies, where he met Wilhelm Wundt and developed his interest in psychology
3. After short period studying at John Hopkins University he returned to Germany + worked as Wilhelm Wundt’s assistant
4. Played a significant role in introducing + emphasizing the experimental technique America
5. Supported the establishment of psychology as a real science
6. Founded several major psychology journals

–> “The psychological review”, “Journal of science”, “Popular science”