Jerome Kagan

Jerome Kagan (born February 25, 1929) is an American psychologist, and Daniel and Amy Starch Research Professor of Psychology, Emeritus at Harvard University, and co-faculty at the New England Complex Systems Institute. He is one of the key pioneers of developmental psychology.

Early Life and Education

Jerome Kagan was born in Newark, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1950. He then went on to earn his master's degree in 1952 and his Ph.D. in 1954, both from Yale University.

Career

Kagan joined the faculty of Harvard University in 1964, where he remained until his retirement. His research has focused on the cognitive and emotional development of children, with a particular interest in the effects of temperament on psychological development. He is known for his work on the concept of "inhibited and uninhibited" children, a theory that suggests that children's personalities can be categorized into two main types: those who are shy, quiet, and introverted (inhibited) and those who are outgoing, sociable, and extroverted (uninhibited).

Contributions to Psychology

Kagan's work has had a significant impact on the field of developmental psychology. His research on temperament has led to a greater understanding of how individual differences in children's behavior can influence their development. He has also contributed to the understanding of the role of biology in psychological development, arguing that biological factors can interact with environmental influences to shape children's behavior and development.

Awards and Honors

Over the course of his career, Kagan has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to psychology. These include the American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Psychology and the Grawemeyer Award in Psychology.

Publications

Kagan has authored and co-authored numerous books and articles on developmental psychology. Some of his most notable publications include "Galen's Prophecy: Temperament in Human Nature" and "The Nature of the Child".

See Also

• Developmental Psychology
• Temperament
• Harvard University