E. L. Thorndike

Born on August 31, 1874, in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Thorndike's family lived in Lowell, Massachusetts where his father was a Methodist minister.  After attending The Roxbury Latin School and graduating in 1891, Thorndike earned his B.S. from Wesleyan University, his M.A. from Harvard University, and his PhD from Columbia University.  Well-educated, Thorndike's first job as a teacher didn't suit him, so he took a position as instructor of psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University.  He remained there for his entire career.

Married and the father of five children, Thordike was called upon during World War I to create the Alpha and Beta tests for the U.S. Army.  These tests helped determine if a person met the enlistment qualifications.  He also served as the president of the Psychometric Society and later was the president of the American Psychological Association.  His studies on animal behavior and the learning process in humans led him to construct employee exams and help create the beginnings of what would become known as educational psychology.  An author as well, Thordike penned works on psychology and a series of three books for teachers, the first being The Teacher's Word Book to help with reading and language.  This leading psychologist passed away on August 9, 1949.

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