What is Hermann Ebbinghaus best known for developing?

Hermann Ebbinghaus is best known for developing objective measures for studying human memory, particularly through his pioneering work with the forgetting curve and the use of nonsense syllables in memory experiments. He was one of the first researchers to systematically study memory using empirical methods, which laid the groundwork for experimental psychology. Ebbinghaus meticulously designed experiments to quantitatively analyze the processes of memorization and recall, demonstrating how information is forgotten over time and establishing principles such as the spacing effect.

By employing rigorous experimental techniques, Ebbinghaus was able to produce concrete data on memory recall, rejection of subjective accounts in favor of observable behaviors, and the creation of the learning curve that illustrates how quickly and effectively information can be learned and retained. His contributions significantly advanced the scientific study of memory and provided a model for future psychological research methodologies. This focus on objective measurement in psychology has been influential and continues to resonate in contemporary memory research.