Home > Encyclopedia of Psychology > Aleksandr Romanovich Luria

Russian psychologist who conducted groundbreaking work on brain function.

1902-1977

Aleksander Luria's research on normal versus abnormal brain function was critically important in the understanding of how to approach brain injuries. Through his work, much was learned about the impact of head injuries, brain tumors, and the effects of mental retardation. He also studied brain activity among children in an attempt to understand how to minimize abnormal behavior.

Luria was borm in Kazan, Russia, on July 16, 1902, where he attended local schools. He went on to the University of Kazan and the Moscow Medical Institute. He received both an M.D. and a doctorate in...