Mary Whiton Calkins

Mary Whiton Calkins, one of the most significant first-generation psychologists, made immense contributions to the field despite facing gender-based discrimination. She revolutionized memory research by developing the paired-associate technique, a method still influential in experimental psychology. The paired-associate technique involved presenting participants with a pair of related words. After studying the pair, the participants were tested on their ability to recall one of the words from the pair by using the other word as a prompt. By altering various parameters such as the strength of association, timing of test presentation, duration to recall, and the nature of the word pairs, Calkins used the paired-associate technique to study associative memory formation and retrieval. Additionally, she explored self-psychology, delving into personal identity and consciousness, foreshadowing later developments in humanistic psychology.

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Despite completing all the requirements to earn her PhD from Harvard under the mentorship of renowned psychologist William James and immense praise from German-American psychologist Hugo Münsterberg, she was refused her degree. Harvard Corporation, who continue to grant the degree posthumously, justifies this by claiming they did not accept or grant degrees to women then. 

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By establishing one of the first psychology laboratories in the United States at Wellesley College, Calkins conducted groundbreaking research and inspired future generations of psychologists. Despite gender barriers, she became the first woman president of the American Psychological Association in 1905, highlighting her esteemed reputation in the field. She also actively advocated for women's rights and gender equality. She co-founded the APA's Committee on Women Psychologists, striving to address challenges faced by women in the field and promote their opportunities for advancement.

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Mary Whiton Calkins's resilience and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on psychology. Through multiple published books and over one hundred published articles, she has established herself as one of the most prominent figures in psychology. Her contributions to memory research, self-psychology, and advocacy for women in academia continue to inspire researchers and scholars, serving as a beacon for future generations striving for equality and excellence in psychology.

 

 

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References: 

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American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Bio of Mary Whiton Calkins. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/about/governance/president/bio-mary-whiton-calkins​

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Scarborough, E., & Furumoto, L. (1987). Untold lives: The first generation of American women psychologists. Columbia University Press.​

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Benjamin, L. T. (2006). A brief history of modern psychology. Blackwell Publishing.​

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Furumoto, L. (1980). Mary Whiton Calkins: A scholar’s life. Annual Review of Psychology, 31(1), 265-288.