James Drever

Background

James Drever was born in Balfour, on Shapinsay Island, Orkney in 1873.

Education

University of Edinburgh.

Career

In 1889 he commenced his studies at the University of Edinburgh, beginning a lifelong association with that institution. Following his graduation with an Master of Arts degree he proceeded to study medicine. In 1906 he became assistant to Professor Darroch, the Professor of Education at the University of Edinburgh.

At this time he was living at 36 Lomond Road in Edinburgh.

In 1912 he was given control of a laboratory of experimental education at Edinburgh, the first pedagogical laboratory in the United Kingdom and six years later succeeded Doctor West.G. Smith as Combe Lecturer and head of the University"s Psychology Department. The department Drever took over had only been established in 1906 and expanded greatly during Drever"s time in charge of lieutenant

In this role, he has been described as ’instrumental’ in the establishment of the psychology degree programme at Edinburgh. In 1931 he was elevated to the position of Professor of Psychology, and was the first individual to hold such a post in Scotland.

Collins collaborated with Drever on a number of books

Drever was recognised as an expert in experimental psychology thanks to his pioneering contributions to that field He served as President of British Psychological Society and was appointed President of the Twelfth International Congress of Psychology in 1948. He was heavily involved in organising this congress, which met in Edinburgh, but was unable to attend it due to ill health.

In recognition of his work Drever was knighted in 1938.

His interest in the influence of Scandinavian language on the Orcadian dialect led to his being made a Knight of the First Class of the Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav. Drever was married to Annie May Watson.

Their sons were James Drever, who succeeded his father"s role at Edinburgh University, and Harald Irving Drever FRSE (1912-1975), a geologist. The younger James Drever was also a noted psychologist, also a BPS President, and was the first Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee.

Connections

colleague:

Mary Collins