Psychology Takes Flight
Feb. 5, 2025 through Nov. 25, 2026
National Museum of Psychology, Special Exhibit Gallery
Do you have what it takes to become a pilot, bombardier, or navigator in World War II? Find out in Psychology Takes Flight!
Psychology Takes Flight explores the work of psychologists in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Psychological science played a key role in the war effort, as psychologists were called upon to redesign aircraft for maximum safety and efficiency, train and classify new recruits, and administer complex psychomotor tests. Visitors are invited to assess their skills and knowledge with interactive recreations of original tests.
Highlights
Complex Coordination Test
ca. 1940s
U.S. Army Air Forces School of Aviation Medicine
Gift of Rudolf W. Schulz
Archives of the History of American Psychology
B-8 Flying Goggles and Lens Kit
ca. 1940s
American Optical Company
Gift of Walter R. Miles
Archives of the History of American Psychology
Cadet Classification Film
1943
U.S. Army Air Forces Training Film
Narrated by Ronald Reagan
Archives of the History of American Psychology