Robert M. Yerkes

Robert M. Yerkes
Robert M. Yerkes (1876–1956) was an American psychologist and ethologist, known for his work in intelligence testing and primate research. He played a significant role in developing psychological assessments during World War I, notably creating the Army Alpha and Beta intelligence tests. Yerkes also made substantial contributions to the study of non-human primates, founding the Yale Laboratories of Primate Biology. His influential books include "The Great Apes" and "Psychobiology of Mental Development," which helped establish the field of comparative psychology.

Author's Books:


PREFACE This book is the direct result of what, at the time of its occurrence, seemed to be an unimportant incident in the course of my scientific work— the presentation of a pair of dancing mice to the Harvard Psychological Laboratory. My interest in the peculiarities of behavior which the creatures exhibited, as I watched them casually from day to day, soon became experiment-impelling, and almost... more...

I INTERESTS, OPPORTUNITY AND MATERIALS Two strong interests come to expression in this report: the one in the study of the adaptive or ideational behavior of the monkeys and the apes; and the other in adequate and permanent provision for the thorough study of all aspects of the lives of these animals. The values of these interests and of the tasks which they have led me to undertake are so widely... more...