Author Archives: Ryan David Tuttle, M.A.; Educator

Clark Hull: A Pioneer of Drive Reduction Theory in Psychology General Background Clark Leonard Hull (1884–1952) was an influential American psychologist known for his work in the realm of learning and motivation. Hull’s academic journey began with an interest in engineering, but after a bout of polio, he redirected his focus towards psychology. He earnedContinue reading “Clark Hull & Drive Reduction Theory”

William James: A Pillar of Modern Psychology General Background William James (1842–1910) was an American psychologist and philosopher who played a pivotal role in the establishment of psychology as a scientific discipline in the United States. Born into a wealthy and intellectual family, James initially studied medicine at Harvard University but was drawn to theContinue reading “William James & Functionalism”

Martin E.P. Seligman, an influential American psychologist, has significantly shaped modern psychology with his research and theories. Born on August 12, 1942, Seligman’s career spans several decades, during which he has contributed to the fields of cognitive behavioral psychology, positive psychology, and the study of well-being. A former president of the American Psychological Association (APA),Continue reading “Martin Seligman & Learned Helplessness”

Robert A. Rescorla was a renowned American psychologist who made significant contributions to the field of psychology through his extensive research on associative learning in animals. Born in 1940, Rescorla’s work has been pivotal in shaping our understanding of how creatures, including humans, learn about the world around them through experiences. His research has laidContinue reading “Robert Rescorla & the Rescorla-Wagner model”

Harry Harlow, born on October 31, 1905, in Fairfield, Iowa, was a pioneering American psychologist whose work fundamentally altered our understanding of attachment, love, and social development. After receiving his Ph.D. from Stanford University, Harlow joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he spent most of his career studying the nature of relationshipsContinue reading “Harry Harlow & Attachment Theory”

John Garcia was a groundbreaking figure in the field of psychology, whose research fundamentally altered our understanding of learning and behavior. Garcia’s work spanned several decades, beginning in the mid-20th century, and he is best known for challenging prevailing notions about how animals (including humans) learn to associate stimuli with certain outcomes. Background John Garcia’sContinue reading “John Garcia & The Garcia Effect”