A True Pioneer In Psychology

The Unbelievable Story of Mary Whiton Calkins

A True Pioneer in Psychology

Introduction

Mary Whiton Calkins (1863-1930) was an American psychologist and philosopher who made significant contributions to the field of psychology. Despite facing numerous obstacles as a woman in academia, she persevered and became one of the most influential psychologists of her time.

Contributions to Psychology

Calkins was a pioneer in several areas of psychology, including:

• **Memory and consciousness:** She developed the "self-as-agent" theory, which proposed that consciousness is an active, rather than passive, process.
• **Self-psychology:** She was one of the first psychologists to study the concept of the self and its development.
• **Experimental psychology:** She established one of the first experimental psychology laboratories in the United States.

Challenges Faced

As a woman in academia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Calkins faced numerous challenges. She was denied a PhD from Harvard University despite completing all the requirements because she was a woman. This led her to establish her own psychology laboratory at Wellesley College, where she became a respected professor and mentor.

Legacy

Despite the obstacles she faced, Calkins left a lasting legacy in psychology. Her work on memory, consciousness, and self-psychology continues to influence research and theory in these areas. She is also remembered as a pioneer who paved the way for women in academia.

Conclusion

Mary Whiton Calkins was a brilliant and determined psychologist who made significant contributions to the field despite facing numerous obstacles. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of psychologists and scholars today.