Who was Robert Mearns Yerkes and what were his primary fields of study?

Robert Mearns Yerkes (May 26, 1876 – February 3, 1956) was a prominent American psychologist, ethologist, eugenicist, and primatologist. He is best known for his pioneering work in intelligence testing and comparative psychology, particularly his studies on primate intelligence and social behavior.

What significant law related to performance and arousal is associated with Robert Yerkes?

Robert Yerkes, along with John D. Dodson, developed the Yerkes-Dodson law. This law describes the relationship between arousal and performance, suggesting that performance improves with arousal up to a certain point, after which it declines if arousal levels become too high.

What were Robert Yerkes's views on eugenics and how are they perceived today?

In the 1910s and 1920s, Yerkes became a proponent of eugenics. His work in this area, which included arguments about 'race deterioration,' is now largely considered by modern academics to be influenced by outdated and biased racialist theories.

Where and when was Robert Yerkes born?

Robert Yerkes was born on May 26, 1876, in Breadysville, Pennsylvania, a location near Ivyland in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA.

What was Yerkes's initial career aspiration, and how did his education path diverge?

Growing up on a farm, Robert Yerkes initially aspired to become a physician. However, with financial assistance from an uncle, he attended Ursinus College and later received an offer for graduate studies in Biology from Harvard University, which he chose over medical training in Philadelphia. At Harvard, his interest shifted to animal behavior, leading him to pursue comparative psychology.

When did Robert Yerkes earn his Ph.D., and from which institution?

Robert Yerkes earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard University in 1902.

What financial challenges did Yerkes face early in his career, and how did he address them?

Yerkes incurred significant debts paying for his education. To manage these debts, he took on multiple positions after graduating from Harvard. He worked as an instructor and assistant professor in comparative psychology at Harvard, and supplemented his income by teaching general psychology at Radcliffe College during summers and serving as the director of psychological research at the Boston Psychopathic Hospital.

What was the title of Robert Yerkes's first published book, and in what year was it released?

Robert Yerkes published his first book, titled 'The Dancing Mouse: A Study in Animal Behavior,' in 1907.

Who was John B. Watson, and what was his relationship with Robert Yerkes?

John B. Watson was a prominent behaviorist psychologist and a friend of Robert Yerkes during their early careers. They exchanged ideas and collaborated, with Watson being a significant influence during Yerkes's formative years.

What was the Wicht Club, and was Yerkes a member?

The Wicht Club was a group that existed from 1903 to 1911. Robert Yerkes was a member of this club during that period.

In what capacity did Robert Yerkes serve the American Psychological Association (APA)?

Robert Yerkes served as the president of the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1917.

How did Yerkes and the APA contribute to the war effort during World War I?

As president of the APA in 1917, Yerkes influenced the association to initiate several programs supporting the war effort. He specifically chaired the Committee on the Psychological Examination of Recruits.

What criticism was leveled against the Army Alpha test regarding its measurement of intelligence?

Despite Yerkes's claim that the Army Alpha test measured native intelligence, critics pointed out that its questions often reflected cultural knowledge. An example cited is a question asking respondents to identify the product advertised by 'Velvet Joe,' which was tobacco, suggesting the test measured acculturation rather than innate ability.

How did Yerkes use the results of intelligence tests, and what was the impact of his findings?

Yerkes used the results of tests like the Army Alpha to argue that recent immigrants, particularly those from Southern and Eastern Europe, scored lower than immigrants from Northern Europe. Although these scores were later criticized for correlating with years spent in the U.S. (indicating acculturation), Yerkes's work contributed to American xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, influencing harsh immigration restrictions.

What role did Robert Yerkes play in the creation of the National Origins Formula?

Yerkes was appointed as an 'Expert Eugenic Agent' to the House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. In this capacity, his work contributed to the development of the discriminatory National Origins Formula, a set of immigration quotas based on national origins.

What statement did Yerkes make in his introduction to Carl C. Brigham's 'A Study of American Intelligence'?

In his introduction to Carl C. Brigham's book, which helped popularize eugenics in the U.S., Yerkes stated that 'no one of us as a citizen can afford to ignore the menace of race deterioration.'

With whom did Yerkes serve on the Committee on Inheritance of Mental Traits for the Eugenics Record Office?

Robert Yerkes, along with Edward L. Thorndike, was a member and Chairman of the Committee on Inheritance of Mental Traits. This committee was part of the Eugenics Record Office, founded by Charles Benedict Davenport, Yerkes's former teacher at Harvard.

What was Yerkes's role with the National Research Council (NRC) after World War I?

Immediately following World War I, Yerkes worked as a paid officer for the United States National Research Council (NRC). He led the NRC Committee for Research in Problems of Sex, which helped him build connections with Rockefeller philanthropic foundations, later crucial for funding his primate research.

Describe Yerkes's early fascination with chimpanzees.

Yerkes developed a strong fascination with chimpanzees, beginning by purchasing two, Chim (a bonobo) and Panzee (a common chimpanzee), from a zoo. He kept them in his home, where they dined with him at a miniature table, an experience that inspired his 1924 book, 'Almost Human.'

What significant primate research facilities did Yerkes establish?

In 1924, Yerkes founded the Yale University Laboratories of Primate Biology in New Haven, Connecticut. He later established the Anthropoid Breeding and Experiment Station in Orange Park, Florida, with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation.

What is the Yerkish language, and where was it developed?

Yerkish is a primate language that was developed at the Yerkes Laboratories of Primate Biology, which Yerkes founded at Yale University. This laboratory later moved to Emory University and became the Yerkes National Primate Research Center.

When did Robert Yerkes retire from his position as Director of the Primate Biology Laboratories?

Robert Yerkes retired from his position as Director of the Yale University Laboratories of Primate Biology in 1942. He was succeeded by Karl Lashley.

How is the pronunciation of Robert Yerkes's name indicated?

According to an interview he gave to 'The Literary Digest,' Robert Yerkes pronounced his name as YER-keez.

What action did Emory University take regarding the Yerkes National Primate Research Center in 2022?

In April 2022, Emory University removed Robert Yerkes's name from the National Primate Research Center. This decision followed a review by Emory's Committee on Naming Honors, which recommended the change due to Yerkes's past support for eugenics. The center was renamed the Emory National Primate Research Center, effective June 1, 2022.

What were some of Robert Yerkes's notable publications?

Robert Yerkes authored or co-authored several significant works, including 'The Dancing Mouse: A Study in Animal Behavior' (1907), 'Introduction to Psychology' (1911), 'Army Mental Tests' (1920), 'Almost Human' (1925), 'The Great Apes' (1929), and 'Chimpanzees; a laboratory colony' (1943).

What related topics are listed in the 'See also' section of the article?

The 'See also' section lists related topics such as Great Ape personhood, the Yerkes-Dodson law, Yerkish (a primate language), 'The mind of an ape,' and Alasdair A. K. White.

Which academic societies elected Robert Yerkes as a member?

Robert Yerkes was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1915, the United States National Academy of Sciences in 1923, and the American Philosophical Society in 1936.

What was the significance of Yerkes's visit to Rosalía Abreu's primate colony in Cuba?

In 1924, Yerkes visited Rosalía Abreu's primate colony in Cuba, where she had successfully bred chimpanzees in captivity. This visit, accompanied by Harold C. Bingham and Josephine Ball, provided Yerkes with valuable advice for his own primate research and observation efforts, although his bonobo, Chim, tragically died during the trip.

What is the Yerkes-Dodson law, and what does it propose?

The Yerkes-Dodson law, formulated by Robert Yerkes and John D. Dodson, posits a relationship between the level of arousal and performance. It suggests that performance is optimal at a moderate level of arousal, increasing with arousal up to a point, but then decreasing as arousal becomes excessive. This principle is fundamental in understanding how stress or stimulation affects task completion.

How did Yerkes's work with intelligence testing contribute to immigration policy?

Yerkes's intelligence testing, particularly the Army Alpha and Beta tests, was used to argue for the supposed intellectual inferiority of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. This narrative, despite being based on flawed methodology that measured acculturation rather than innate intelligence, was used as a eugenic justification for restrictive immigration policies like the National Origins Formula.

What was the purpose of the Committee for Research in Problems of Sex, which Yerkes led?

Robert Yerkes directed the Committee for Research in Problems of Sex for the United States National Research Council after World War I. This role helped him establish crucial connections with Rockefeller philanthropic foundations, which later provided substantial funding for his primate research projects.

What is the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, and where is it located?

The Yerkes National Primate Research Center was established by Robert Yerkes as the Yale University Laboratories of Primate Biology and later the Anthropoid Breeding and Experiment Station. After his retirement, the facility moved to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and was renamed the Yerkes National Primate Research Center. It is a leading institution for primate research.

What specific example illustrates the cultural bias in the Army Alpha intelligence test?

A notable example of cultural bias in the Army Alpha test is question 18, which asks respondents to identify the product advertised by 'Velvet Joe.' The correct answer, 'tobacco,' required knowledge of a specific advertisement, indicating that the test measured familiarity with American commercial culture rather than innate intelligence.

What was the outcome of the review by Emory's Committee on Naming Honors regarding Robert Yerkes?

Emory University's Committee on Naming Honors recommended that the name of the Yerkes National Primate Research Center be changed due to Robert Yerkes's past support for eugenics. Consequently, Emory University removed his name from the center in April 2022.

What is the significance of the book 'Almost Human' (1924) in relation to Robert Yerkes?

'Almost Human' (1924) is a book authored by Robert Yerkes that memorializes the time he spent with his bonobo chimpanzee, Chim. This work reflects his deep interest and early research into the social behavior and intelligence of primates.

What fields did Robert Yerkes pioneer or significantly contribute to?

Robert Yerkes was a pioneer in the fields of comparative psychology and psychobiology. He also made significant contributions to intelligence testing and primatology.

What was the relationship between Yerkes's work on intelligence testing and the concept of 'race deterioration'?

Yerkes's interpretation of intelligence test results, particularly the lower scores attributed to immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, led him to advocate against 'race deterioration.' This concern was a key eugenic argument used to support restrictive immigration policies and reflected the racial biases prevalent in his time.

What was the stated purpose of the Eugenics Record Office, and what was Yerkes's involvement?

The Eugenics Record Office, founded by Charles Benedict Davenport, aimed to study human heredity and promote eugenics. Robert Yerkes was involved as a member and Chairman of its Committee on Inheritance of Mental Traits, working alongside figures like Edward L. Thorndike.

Robert Yerkes Wiki: The Yerkes Legacy: Mind, Behavior, and Controversy

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Introduction

Robert Mearns Yerkes

Robert Mearns Yerkes (May 26, 1876 – February 3, 1956) was a prominent American psychologist, ethologist, eugenicist, and primatologist. He is primarily recognized for his pioneering work in intelligence testing and comparative psychology. His career spanned significant developments in psychological research, including influential studies on animal and primate intelligence and behavior.

Key Contributions

Yerkes made substantial contributions to the understanding of animal behavior, particularly in primates. He is known for developing the Yerkes-Dodson law, which describes the relationship between arousal and performance. His research laid groundwork for the study of primate intelligence and social behavior, leading to the establishment of significant research institutions.

A Complex Legacy

While recognized for his scientific achievements, Yerkes' legacy is also marked by his advocacy for eugenics and the controversial application of his intelligence tests. His work in these areas has been critically examined by modern academics for its biases and its influence on discriminatory policies.

Education and Early Career

Rural Roots to Academia

Born on a farm in rural Pennsylvania, Yerkes initially aspired to a career in medicine. Supported by an uncle, he attended Ursinus College (1892–1897). His academic trajectory shifted when he received an offer for graduate studies in Biology at Harvard University. He chose Harvard over medical training in Philadelphia, where his interest in animal behavior began to flourish.

Doctoral Studies and Early Positions

At Harvard, Yerkes pursued comparative psychology, earning his Ph.D. in 1902. His early career was influenced by financial obligations from his education. He served as an instructor and assistant professor at Harvard, supplementing his income by teaching general psychology at Radcliffe College and directing psychological research at the Boston Psychopathic Hospital.

Intellectual Circles

In 1907, Yerkes published his first book, The Dancing Mouse. During this period, he formed intellectual connections with fellow psychologists, notably John B. Watson, with whom he exchanged ideas. He was also associated with the Wicht Club, a group of scholars active from 1903 to 1911.

Intelligence Testing

Wartime Contributions

During World War I, Yerkes, as president of the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1917, spearheaded initiatives for the war effort. He chaired the Committee on the Psychological Examination of Recruits, leading to the development of the Army Alpha and Army Beta intelligence tests. These were groundbreaking as the first nonverbal group tests, administered to over one million U.S. soldiers.

Critiques of Army Tests

Yerkes asserted that these tests measured native intelligence, independent of education or training. However, analysis of the test questions, such as one referencing a tobacco advertisement, suggests significant cultural and linguistic bias. Subsequent research indicated that the test scores correlated strongly with the duration of an individual's residence in the U.S., pointing to acculturation rather than innate intelligence as the primary factor measured.

Impact on Immigration Policy

Yerkes utilized the test results to argue for perceived intellectual differences among immigrant groups, particularly noting lower scores among those from Southern and Eastern Europe compared to Northern Europeans. This work contributed to prevailing xenophobia and influenced the implementation of restrictive and racially biased immigration policies, such as the National Origins Formula. Yerkes served as an \"Expert Eugenic Agent\" for the House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization, further embedding his views into policy discussions.

Eugenics and Scientific Bias

Advocacy for Eugenics

In the 1910s and 1920s, Yerkes became a proponent of eugenics. His writings and public statements, such as his introduction to Carl C. Brigham's A Study of American Intelligence, reflected concerns about \"race deterioration.\" He stated, \"no one of us as a citizen can afford to ignore the menace of race deterioration.\"

Association with Eugenics Movement

Yerkes was actively involved in eugenics organizations, serving as a member and Chairman of the Committee on Inheritance of Mental Traits within the Eugenics Record Office, founded by his former Harvard teacher, Charles Benedict Davenport. His academic work and affiliations placed him at the center of the eugenics movement in the United States.

Modern Reassessment

Contemporary academic assessment largely regards Yerkes' work on intelligence testing and eugenics as biased and reflective of outdated racialist theories. The uncritical application of his test results contributed to discriminatory practices and societal prejudices. In recognition of this problematic aspect of his legacy, Emory University removed his name from its National Primate Research Center in 2022.

Primatology and Research Centers

Early Primate Studies

Yerkes developed a profound interest in chimpanzees. He began his studies by acquiring two chimpanzees, Chim and Panzee, and meticulously documented their behavior. His experiences, including a significant visit to Rosalía Abreu's primate colony in Cuba in 1924, where he was accompanied by Harold C. Bingham and Josephine Ball, informed his later work. Abreu was a pioneer in breeding chimpanzees in captivity, and her insights proved valuable to Yerkes.

Founding Research Institutions

In 1924, Yerkes joined Yale University as a professor of psychobiology, a field he helped establish. He founded the Yale University Laboratories of Primate Biology in New Haven and, with substantial funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, established the Anthropoid Breeding and Experiment Station in Orange Park, Florida. The primate language known as Yerkish was developed at these laboratories.

Enduring Influence

Yerkes retired as Director in 1942, succeeded by Karl Lashley. Following his death, the primate research facility was relocated to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and renamed the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, acknowledging his foundational role. Although the center has since been renamed due to Yerkes' eugenic associations, his impact on primate research remains significant.

Legacy and Recognition

Academic Affiliations

Yerkes was elected to prestigious academic societies, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1915), the United States National Academy of Sciences (1923), and the American Philosophical Society (1936). He also served on the board of trustees for Science Service (now Society for Science & the Public).

Key Publications

His extensive body of work includes seminal publications that shaped the fields of comparative psychology and intelligence testing:

1907, The Dancing Mouse, A Study in Animal Behavior
1911, Introduction to Psychology
1911, Methods of Studying Vision in Animals (with John B. Watson)
1914, Outline of a Study of the Self
1915, A Point Scale for Measuring Mental Ability (with co-authors)
1916, The mental life of monkeys and apes
1920, Army Mental Tests (by Clarence S. Yoakum and Robert M. Yerkes)
1925, Almost Human
1929, The Great Apes (with Ada W. Yerkes)
1943, Chimpanzees; a laboratory colony

Re-evaluation of Legacy

In recent years, Yerkes' association with eugenics has led to a critical re-evaluation of his contributions. Emory University's decision to rename the Yerkes National Primate Research Center reflects a broader societal effort to address the problematic aspects of historical scientific figures. This ongoing reassessment highlights the importance of critically examining the ethical dimensions of scientific research.

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References

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The Yerkes Legacy

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

👤 Robert Mearns Yerkes

🔬 Key Contributions

⚖️ A Complex Legacy

Education and Early Career 🎓

🌱 Rural Roots to Academia

🧠 Doctoral Studies and Early Positions

🤝 Intellectual Circles

Intelligence Testing 📊

🎖️ Wartime Contributions

❓ Critiques of Army Tests

📜 Impact on Immigration Policy

Eugenics and Scientific Bias 🧬

🚩 Advocacy for Eugenics

🤝 Association with Eugenics Movement

⚠️ Modern Reassessment

Primatology and Research Centers 🐒

🔬 Early Primate Studies

🏫 Founding Research Institutions

➡️ Enduring Influence

Legacy and Recognition 🏆

🏛️ Academic Affiliations

📚 Key Publications

🔄 Re-evaluation of Legacy

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Robert Mearns Yerkes

Key Contributions

A Complex Legacy

Education and Early Career

Rural Roots to Academia

Doctoral Studies and Early Positions

Intellectual Circles

Intelligence Testing

Wartime Contributions

Critiques of Army Tests

Impact on Immigration Policy

Eugenics and Scientific Bias

Advocacy for Eugenics

Association with Eugenics Movement

Modern Reassessment

Primatology and Research Centers

Early Primate Studies

Founding Research Institutions

Enduring Influence

Legacy and Recognition

Academic Affiliations

Key Publications

Re-evaluation of Legacy

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice