About Merlin Wittrock
Lived 1931 – 2007 (aged 76). Merlin Wittrock was an American psychologist and pedagogue.
Merlin Carl Wittrock (January 3, 1931 – November 28, 2007) was an American educational psychologist. He received the E. L. Thorndike Award in 1987.
Early life He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho in 1931. He received a bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri and his PhD from the University of Illinois.
Work
Generative theory of learning Wittrock is best known for his generative theory of learning. It is the parent of many current theories of academic motivation.
Personal life Wittrock had three children with his wife, Nancy. He died of heart failure in November 2007 at the age of 76.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Merlin Wittrock?
American psychologist
When was Merlin Wittrock born?
Merlin Wittrock was born on 3 January 1931.
When did Merlin Wittrock die?
Merlin Wittrock died on 28 November 2007.
What was Merlin Wittrock's occupation?
Merlin Wittrock was a psychologist and pedagogue.
What nationality was Merlin Wittrock?
Merlin Wittrock was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Merlin Wittrock. https://biography.guide/merlin-wittrock/
MLA: "Merlin Wittrock." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/merlin-wittrock/.
Chicago: "Merlin Wittrock." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/merlin-wittrock/.
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