Richard J. Herrnstein was an American psychologist known for his work in the fields of intelligence and behavior. He gained prominence for co-authoring the controversial book The Bell Curve in 1994, which discussed the relationship between intelligence, social class, and race. Herrnstein's research focused on the role of genetics and environment in shaping cognitive abilities. Born on April 20, 1930, Herrnstein served as a professor at Harvard University and contributed significantly to the study of operant conditioning and animal behavior. His work has influenced various areas of psychology, including the understanding of intelligence testing and its implications in society.