Her PhD was awarded for the work she did in BF Skinner’s learning lab at Harvard University.
It was during her research and work at Harvard that her interest in child development was ignited.
She went on to become a prominent figure who has had a lasting influence on the field of psychology.
She was the second of four daughters born to her parents, Eugene and Viva.
Career
Maccoby worked briefly with behaviorist psychologistB.
F. Skinnerbefore she was offered a position at Harvard University by psychologist Robert Sears.
Her early research included studies on the impact of television on children and investigations into child-rearing practices.
Maccoby’s research turned to focus on the psychology of sex differences.
Her work found that biological influences were not as impactful as the scientific community previously thought.
While research existed on gender differences, much of it was unpublished and excluded from final manuscripts.
Her work during the 1990s centered largely on the impact that divorce had on children.
Contributions to Psychology
Maccoby’s work helped pioneer research on gender roles and sex differences.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including theG.
Stanley HallAward (1982) and the American Psychology Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award (1996).
She was also elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1993.
In one study ranking the 100 most eminent psychologists of the 20th-century, Maccoby was ranked at number 70.
Eleanor Maccoby turned 100 years old on May 15, 2017.
She passed away on December 11, 2018.
American Psychology Association, Division 7.Great leaders in developmental psychology: Eleanor Maccoby, PhD.
2002;6(2):139-152. doi:10.1037/1089-2680.6.2.139
American Psychological Association, Division 7.Past presidents of Div.
Association for Psychological Science.Inside the psychologists studio: Eleanor Maccoby.
Chelsey K.Stanford psychologist Eleanor Maccoby dies at 101.Stanford News.
Published December 14, 2018.
Harvard University.Eleanor Maccoby (1917-).
