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Eccentric Academic, Social Scientist Studied Gambling Addiction in Mice
- Article from:
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The Washington Post
- Article date:
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July 20, 2008
- Author:
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Leo Crespi, who was generous with his intellect but not when it
came to tipping, died July 8 after a stroke. He was 91.
The social scientist, psychologist and eccentric became a widely
respected figure in the public opinion field. He spent 32 years
directing public opinion research for the U.S. Information Agency.
Much of his USIA work was classified, leading to his observation
that he "lived long in obscurity, eschewing recognition for
relevance."
His early career, at Princeton University, was much more public
and included studies of gambling addiction in mice -- "vice in
mice," one colleague dubbed it. He also assessed public attitudes
toward conscientious objectors and the custom of ...