Thelma Hunt
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Thelma Hunt | |
|---|---|
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| Born | November 30, 1903  |
| Died | June 23, 1992 (aged 88) |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Psychologist |
| Employer | |
Thelma Hunt (November 30, 1903 – June 23, 1992) was an American expert in psychological testing. Chair of the George Washington University Psychology Department for twenty-five years, she was an innovator in test construction and measurement for what is now known as industrial and organizational psychology. Hunt and her frequent collaborator Fred A. Moss developed several tests still in use, including the first version of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Thelma Hunt was born in Aurora, Arkansas on November 30, 1903.[1] Her father worked for the Veteran's Administration and the family settled in Berwyn, Maryland.[2] Hunt made the long daily commute to Washington, D.C. to attend Central High School.[2] Her Latin teacher encouraged her to apply for college and Hunt's high score on a scholarship exam earned her a scholarship from George Washington University (GW).[3]
Hunt began studying at George Washington University in 1921 with a focus in chemistry. One of her professors, Fred Moss, persuaded her to change her major to psychology.[3] By the age of 23, she had earned three degrees from the psychology department: a bachelor's degree with distinction (1924), a Master of Arts (1925) and a Ph.D. (1927).[2] While working as a full-time employee, she became the youngest person to receive a Ph.D. from GW.[3] Her Ph.D. thesis was titled A Study of Social Intelligence of Ten Thousand Persons in Industry and in College Life.[2]
Early career and medical degree
During her undergraduate degree, Hunt began working with the United States Civil Service Commission developing mental tests (psychological tests).[3] She worked there from 1923 to 1927 under the supervision of Dr. Lawrence O'Rourke.[2] After she received her Ph.D., O'Rourke advised her there would be no room for advancement within her current role and encouraged her to continue her career elsewhere so her talent would not be wasted.[3] Hunt left D.C. to take a teaching position at Middle Tennessee State College in 1927.[3]
She returned to D.C. just a year later when she was offered a position as an instructor of psychology at George Washington University.[3] While teaching full time, Hunt studied for her medical degree at GW.[1] As no internships were available in D.C. for women at the time, she completed her internship at Englewood General Hospital in New Jersey.[1] After earning her M.D. degree in 1935, graduating second in a class of 72 students, she was offered a full professorship in psychology at GW.[1][2]