Finding aid for the Stuart Cook papers

Biography of Stuart Cook

Stuart Cook was born April 15, 1913 in Richmond, Virginia. Cook attended the University of Richmond and received a BS in biology and Master's in psychology. In 1935, Cook attended the University of Minnesota where he completed his PhD in 1938. Cook's research at Minnesota involved backward associations in verbal learning and distribution of associated words, verbal conditioning of galvanic skin response, judging intelligence from pictures, producing experimental neurosis in rats, and measuring attitudes toward fascism. Upon graduation, Cook became head of the Bureau of Psychological Services for the state of Minnesota.

At the onset of World War II, Cook entered the Army Air Force working with Colonel John C. Flanagan in the aviation psychology program at the Santa Ana Army Air Base; Cook assisted in directing it. This program researched tests to select potential pilots, bombardiers, and navigators. Cook's other duties in the military involved selection and training of airborne radar operators. Cook later became director of research for the Commission on Community Interrelations of the American Jewish Congress. In 1949 Cook established the Research Center for Human Relations at New York University. As the director of this center, Cook's research on prejudice examined race relations and involved studies of interracial housing in public housing projects. In 1950, Cook became head of the New York University psychology Department.

In 1963, Cook became Professor and Chair of Psychology at the University of Colorado. From 1978 to 1980, Cook headed the Institute of Behavioral Science where he researched the behavioral aspects of energy conservation. Cook retired in 1980 as Distinguished Professor but continued research and work at Colorado.

Cook passed away on March 25, 1993 in Boulder, Colorado.

Scope and Content

This collection contains correspondence regarding the organization Psychologists for Peace as well as military records and correspondence between Cook and others. In addition there is departmental correspondence from the University of Colorado Psychology Department.

There is also material relating to case studies and research regarding race and social psychological issues. Audio tapes of the Nashville Attitude Study; Eastland & Bennett discussing Allen Bakke Case, materials related to the Brown v. Board of Education case as well as videotapes of Denver School Study; Situational Reaction Test; and the Lowry Air Force Project.

Finally there are slides of Conservation Behavior for Utah Trip; Attitude conditioning; Binocular Rivalry; Semantic Generalization.

Statement of Arrangement

Restrictions on Use

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Restrictions on Access

There are access restrictions on military records, court records, and personal or sensitive materials due to privacy concerns. Please consult CHP staff for details.

Subject Headings

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

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Preferred Citation

Cite as: [identification of item], [folder number, box number], Archives of the History of American Psychology, The Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings Center for the History of Psychology - The University of Akron