Phillip Ackerman

Phillip Ackerman is a Professor of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Psychology. He holds a Ph.D. in Quantitative/Measurement Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (1984). His research focuses on human intelligence, cognitive aging, skill acquisition, and the interplay between cognitive, affective, and conative traits. He collaborates extensively with Professor Ruth Kanfer and students on projects addressing ability, motivation, and personality influences on skilled performance.

Education: Ph.D. (1984), University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in Quantitative/Measurement Psychology.

Research Interests:

• Adult learning and skill development
• Psychological testing and measurement
• Cognitive aging and knowledge breadth
• Workplace performance and training
• Interdisciplinary approaches to motivation and cognition

His recent work includes studies on physiological correlates of cognitive effort, age/gender differences in knowledge, and taxonomic analysis of perceptual speed abilities.

Labs & Collaborations: Co-director of the Kanfer-Ackerman (PARK) Lab, focusing on achievement and work settings. The lab conducts experimental, archival, and field research in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Teaching & Training: Supervises graduate students in Industrial/Organizational and Cognitive Psychology, emphasizing quantitative methods and applied research. Students pursue careers in academia, consulting, and organizational settings.