Literary Origins of the Term “School Psychologist” Revisited

Abstract

Previous research on the literary origins of the term “school psychologist” is revisited, and conclusions are revised in light of new evidence. It appears that the origin of the term in the American literature occurred as early as 1898 in an article by Hugo Munsterberg, predating the usage by Wilhelm Stern in 1911. The early references to the school psychologist suggest different, but compatible, roles for psychologists functioning in school settings, and these roles continue to be reflected in the practice of school psychology.

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Notes on contributors

Thomas K. Fagan

Thomas K. Fagan is Professor of Psychology and Director of the School Psychology Program at The University of Memphis. He has served twice as President of the NASP, and currently serves as Historian to the NASP and to the Division of School Psychology of the American Psychological Association.