James Drever (psychologist, born 1873)

James Drever (28 June 1873 – 7 March 1950) was a Scottish psychologist and philosopher, known primarily for his contributions to the field of social psychology and developmental psychology.

Born in Kirkwall, Orkney, Drever was educated at the University of Edinburgh, where he later served as Professor of Psychology from 1931 until his retirement in 1946. Prior to his professorship, he lectured in psychology at the university from 1908. He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War I.

Drever's work encompassed a broad range of topics, including the psychology of intelligence, the nature of instinct, and the development of personality. He was particularly interested in the application of psychological principles to education and social problems. He is perhaps best known for his dictionary of psychology, "A Dictionary of Psychology," first published in 1934, which became a standard reference work for students and professionals alike and has been revised and updated by later psychologists, notably Harley.

Drever's approach to psychology was influenced by his philosophical background and his commitment to empirical research. He emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior in its social and cultural context. He was a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. His other publications include "Instinct in Man" (1917), and "The Psychology of Everyday Life" (1921).