Robert K. Merton
National Medal of Science
Behavioral And Social Science
For founding the sociology of science and for his pioneering contributions to the study of social life, especially the self-fulfilling prophecy and the unintended consequences of social action.
For founding the sociology of science and for his pioneering contributions to the study of social life, especially the self-fulfilling prophecy and the unintended consequences of social action.
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Birth
July 4, 1910Age Awarded
84Country of Birth
USAKey Contributions
"Self-Fulfilling Prophecy"Coined Terms "Role-Model"
"Father Of Modern-Day Sociology"
Awarded by
Bill ClintonEducation
Temple UniversityHarvard University
Areas of Impact
Human BehaviorAffiliations
Columbia UniversityThe name Robert K. Merton arose from Meyer R. Schkolnick’s teenage years as an amateur magician, and the name became permanent upon enrolling at Temple University. At Temple, Merton wandered into a sociology class by chance, and he was immediately drawn to the subject.
As a professor of sociology at Columbia University, Merton dedicated his career to studying the subtle patterns of society. His observations turned into familiar concepts. He coined the phrase ‘self-fulfilling prophecy,’ which states that a prediction comes true because people believe in it and, in fact, make it happen. Merton developed the idea of role models, and along with colleagues, he created the “focused interview” that continues to be used in focus groups in market research.
Aside from his observations of society, Merton also provided a fundamental characterization of the scientific spirit, which he termed the ethos of science. He argued that science is misunderstood as the product of individual geniuses able to break free from conventions and norms. Instead, he explained, science encourages productivity, critical thinking and pursuit of continually improved understanding.
By Jen Santisi