Henry Herbert Goddard

À propos de l'auteur

Henry Herbert Goddard was an American psychologist known for his pioneering work in the field of intelligence testing and his studies on heredity and feeble-mindedness. He gained prominence with his book, "The Kallikak Family: A Study in the Heredity of Feeble-Mindedness," published in 1912. In this groundbreaking work, Goddard presented a detailed analysis of a family he studied over several generations, aiming to demonstrate the hereditary nature of mental disabilities. His research contributed significantly to the understanding of eugenics and the impact of genetics on intelligence, though it has faced significant criticism and ethical scrutiny over the years.

Goddard's influence extended beyond academia; his work played a crucial role in shaping public policy regarding intelligence testing and education in the early 20th century. He was also instrumental in the introduction of the Binet-Simon scale in the United States, which laid the foundation for modern IQ testing. While his legacy is controversial, his contributions to psychology and education have left a lasting mark on the fields of mental health and intelligence assessment.