Terman, << TUR muhn, >> Lewis Madison (1877-1956), was an American psychologist who became known for his studies of intelligence. In 1916, while teaching at Stanford University, Terman revised the Binet-Simon intelligence tests, which were in French, for English-speaking students. The revised examination, which is usually called the Stanford-Binet test, became one of the most widely used tests of learning ability. Terman worked with Maud A. Merrill, another Stanford psychologist, on revisions of the test that were published in 1937 and 1960.
Terman was especially interested in children of high intelligence. In the early 1920’s, he began a study of the behavior and personality of about 1,500 extremely bright elementary and high school students. He observed them throughout their careers and reported on their development. Terman’s study helped prove that most bright children are normal and well adjusted. The reports of his study were published in a five-volume series, Genetic Studies of Genius (1925-1959).
Terman was born on Jan. 15, 1877, in Johnson County, Indiana. He taught at Stanford University from 1910 to 1942. He died on Dec. 21, 1956.
See also Genius .
