Donald Anderson Laird

psychologist

Donald Anderson Laird was an influential American psychologist known for his pioneering research on the sense of smell and its connection to memory. In the early 20th century, he challenged the prevailing focus on visual perception by demonstrating that olfactory cues could evoke powerful and vivid memories. His work, which included gathering narratives from participants about how scents triggered recollections of past experiences, highlighted the emotional intensity and depth of memories associated with smells. Laird's insights contributed significantly to the understanding of human cognition and sensory processing, making him a notable figure in the field of psychology.