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Birth
Kenneth Craik was born in Edinburgh, Scotland -
Development of Flight Simulators
Craik began working to improve flight simulators for the Royal Air Force which enabled him to study the effects of fatigue on pilots. This was also a time when he could develop his mental model's theory as he saw pilots reflecting on situations and planning for upcoming ones. -
Publication of The Nature of Explanation
Craik publishes The Nature of Explanations which describes "mental models" and their use in an individual's life. Mental models can simulate past experiences and how they could have been better handled. They can also be used to prepare for possible future situations. Craik, Kenneth James Williams. "The Nature of Explanation." Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1943. Mental Models by Ben Vincent -
Director of Applied Psychology Unit
In 1944 the Medical Research Council opened the Applied Psychology Unit in Cambridge. Craik was selected to lead it after he garnished publicity from The Nature of Explanation. -
Death
Craik tragically dies after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. He was 31 years of age. -
Stephen L. Sherwood publishes anthology
Sherwood publishes a posthumous anthology of Craik's works titled The Nature of Psychology: A Selection of Papers, Essays and Other Writings by Kenneth J. W. Craik. Sherwood, S.L. "The Nature of Psychology: A Selection of Papers, Essays and Other Writings by the Late Kenneth J.W. Craik." The University Press, 1966