Reflections on the contributions of Ward Edwards to decision analysis and behavioral research

Abstract

This chapter is based on the writings of Ward Edwards and the recollections of two of his graduate students whom he influenced deeply. Larry Phillips was his student from 1960 to 1966 and Detlof von Winterfeldt was his student from 1970 to 1975. Both continued their interactions with Ward until his death in February, 2005. Larry interviewed Ward in February of 2003 to record his early days and contributions to decision analysis and behavioral research. Video clips from this interview were shown at a special session of the Decision Analysis Society meeting in San Francisco in 2005, and the presentation will be posted on the Decision Analysis Society web site. Detlof met Ward together with Ralph Miles almost weekly in 2003 and 2004, mostly planning new activities, like editing this book, but also conducting interviews and discussing the early days of behavioral decision research and his work at the University of Southern California. A videotaped recording of his interview with Ward can be obtained from USC. Much of this chapter summarizes these interviews and our personal memories of Ward