Verified by Psychologist of the Century: Computing the top 99
The best psychologists in the 20th century are put down on one
list. How might a psychologist choose the 20th-century leaders in his or
her field? Multivariate analysis, of course.
By Lauren Gee published May 1, 2003 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016
How might a psychologist choose the 20th-century leaders in his or
her field? Multivariate analysis, of course.
The Review of General Psychologywill soon publish a
ranked list, from the top three, Skinner, Piaget and Freud, through
number 99, Anna Freud.
Steven Haggbloom, Ph.D., of Western Kentucky University says that
he undertook the project in an attempt to "operationalize" eminence.
Haggbloom considered six variables, including citations in journals and
introductory psychology textbooks, American Psychological Association
honors and surname as eponym (i.e., "Bandura's social learning
theory").
There followed complex calculations and a couple of hitches: The
American Psychological Society's rate of response to the survey was a
"disappointing and inexplicably low" 5.6 percent. Respondents even
inserted negative asides: "People who put Freud at the top made editorial
comments like 'unfortunately,'" explains Haggbloom.
"Why 99 psychologists? Whomever you make the best case for may be
number 100," says Haggbloom cryptically.
