David Shakow and schizophrenia research at Worcester State Hospital: The roots of the scientist‐practitioner model

Abstract

As Chief Psychologist and Director of Psychological Research at Worcester State Hospital (WSH), David Shakow (1901-1981) made substantial contributions to the scientific study of schizophrenia and by extension to the study of psychopathology in general. His methodological innovations--particularly on issues of diagnosis and conditions of testing-set a new standard for experimental rigor in the field. Shakow helped to establish many of what are considered basic facts about schizophrenia. His empirical work at WSH-specifically on the crossover effect--provided the scientific foundation for his theory of schizophrenic cognition, known as segmental set. Moreover, Shakow's schizophrenia work informed his developing ideas on the synergy between clinical practice and research.