Sydney University and University of Illinois, 1947-51

Containers:

Box 3, 4

Component identifier:

Series 2

Content Summary:

During the late 1940s Gibb was a senior lecturer in psychology at Sydney University. On sabbatical at the University of Illinois he attained a PhD, focusing on the emergence of leadership. Both at Sydney and Illinois Gibb refined techniques of testing personality traits, particularly with respect to small group behaviour.

The series comprises: Gibb's 1949 PhD psychology thesis, 'The emergence of leadership in small, temporary groups of men', and related material; a number of drafts and reprints of articles, including correspondence with publishers and colleagues relating to the subject of leadership; articles and related matter on the subject of Rorschach Group testing (leadership). This period marked the beginning of a long and productive relationship with Professor Raymond Cattell, a leading authority in Gibb's chosen field. Unfortunately, little remains of Gibb's research or work with Cattell, with the exception of correspondence and draft chapters for a proposed collaboration, 'Advanced Social Psychology' (unpublished). A miscellaneous cutting on leadership completes the series.

Immediate source of acquisition:

Gibb's wife Margaret donated the papers to the Library in 1994.

Access and use