EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY BY EDWARD L. THORNDIKE ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF GENETIC PSYCHOLOGY IN TEACHERS COLLEGE LIBRARY NEW YORK THE SCIENCE PRESS 1903 PREFACE. THIS book attempts to apply to a number of educational problems the methods of exact science. I have therefore paid no attention to speculative opinions and very little attention to the conclusions of students who present data in so rough and incomplete a form that accurate quantitative treatment is impossible. If the book shows to any extent scientific precision and adequate statistical treatment, my thanks are due especially to the teaching of Professors James McKeen Cattell and Franz Boas, to the writings of Dr. Francis Galton and Professor Karl Pearson, and to the personal influence of Dr. R. S. Woodworth. For help in the collection of the material for the studies by my students or myself which are quoted, I have to thank generous and efficient friends, whose names make up a long list. Among them are: W. H. Maxwell, Superintendent of Schools of New York City, Professor C. E. Seashore, of the University of Iowa, Miss Naomi Norsworthy, Tutor in Psychology at Teachers College, Miss Jeannette F. Seibert, Assistant in Psychology at Teachers College, Mr. L. W. Cole, Instructor in Psychology, Oklahoma University, Mr. W. A. Fox, Superintendent of Schools, Albion, Indiana, Mr. H. A. Ruger, of Columbia University, Miss Rosalie Pollock, Salt Lake City, Utah, Miss Almina George, State Normal School, Warrensburg, Missouri, Miss Edith McLeod, State Normal School, San Diego, California, Those of my students whose names appear in special connections throughout the book and the following principals of schools: Miss Julia Richman, New York City, Miss Caroline E. Hoefling, New York City, Miss Elizabeth S. Harris, New York City, Mr. James S. Morey, New York City, Mr. W. I. Bray, Cliffside, Mr. F. E. Converse, Beloit. |