# Harold Lasswell

> American political scientist (1902-1978)

**Wikidata**: [Q314462](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314462)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Lasswell)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harold-lasswell

## Summary
Harold Lasswell was an American political scientist (1902–1978) who made foundational contributions to the field through his work on propaganda analysis, political communication, and the study of political behavior. He is best known for developing the "Lasswell Formula" (Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect?) as a framework for understanding media influence. His research shaped modern political science and communication studies.

## Biography
- Born: February 13, 1902, in Brooklyn, New York
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor’s degree from Yale University (1923)
  - Master’s degree from Yale University (1924)
  - Doctorate from Yale University (1926)
- Known for: Pioneering the study of political communication and propaganda analysis
- Employer(s):
  - Yale University (faculty member)
  - University of Chicago (professor)
  - The New School (professor)
- Field(s): Political science, communication studies, sociology

## Contributions
- **Lasswell Formula**: Developed the framework "Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect?" (1948) to analyze propaganda and political communication, influencing media and political science research.
- **Propaganda Analysis**: Conducted early studies on how propaganda shapes public opinion, contributing to the field of political communication.
- **Political Behavior Research**: Advanced understanding of how individuals and groups make political decisions through systematic analysis.
- **Academic Leadership**: Served as a professor at Yale University, the University of Chicago, and The New School, shaping generations of political scientists.
- **Publications**: Authored numerous influential works, including *Propaganda Technique in the World War* (1948), which analyzed propaganda strategies during World War II.

## FAQs
**What was Harold Lasswell’s most famous contribution to political science?**
Harold Lasswell is best known for the "Lasswell Formula" (Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect?), a framework for analyzing propaganda and political communication that remains foundational in media and political studies.

**Where did Harold Lasswell study and teach?**
He earned his degrees from Yale University and taught at Yale, the University of Chicago, and The New School, where he made significant contributions to political science and communication studies.

**What was the focus of Harold Lasswell’s research?**
His research focused on propaganda analysis, political communication, and the study of political behavior, helping to shape modern political science and media studies.

**What books did Harold Lasswell write?**
He authored influential works such as *Propaganda Technique in the World War* (1948), which analyzed propaganda strategies during World War II.

## Why They Matter
Harold Lasswell’s work revolutionized the study of political communication and propaganda, providing a structured framework for analyzing media influence. His "Lasswell Formula" remains a cornerstone of political science and media studies, shaping how researchers and practitioners understand propaganda and public opinion. His academic leadership at prestigious institutions ensured his ideas influenced generations of scholars. Without Lasswell’s contributions, the systematic study of political communication and propaganda analysis would lack its foundational principles.

## Notable For
- Pioneered the study of political communication and propaganda analysis
- Developed the "Lasswell Formula" (Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect?), a foundational framework in media and political studies
- Authored *Propaganda Technique in the World War* (1948), a landmark analysis of wartime propaganda
- Taught at Yale University, the University of Chicago, and The New School, shaping political science education
- Influenced modern political science and communication studies through his systematic research methods

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Harold Lasswell was born on February 13, 1902, in Brooklyn, New York. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1923, followed by a Master’s degree in 1924 and a Doctorate in 1926. His academic training laid the foundation for his career in political science.

### Career and Research
Lasswell began his academic career at Yale University, where he established himself as a leading figure in political science. He later taught at the University of Chicago and The New School, where he continued to advance his research. His work focused on propaganda analysis, political communication, and the study of political behavior.

### Key Contributions
Lasswell’s most significant contribution was the "Lasswell Formula," which he articulated as "Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect?" This framework provided a structured approach to analyzing propaganda and political communication, influencing media and political studies. His book *Propaganda Technique in the World War* (1948) analyzed wartime propaganda strategies, offering insights into how propaganda shapes public opinion.

### Academic Influence
Lasswell’s teaching at Yale, the University of Chicago, and The New School ensured his ideas were widely disseminated. His systematic research methods and theoretical frameworks shaped the field of political science, particularly in the study of political communication and propaganda.

### Legacy
Harold Lasswell’s work remains foundational in political science and communication studies. His "Lasswell Formula" is still used today to analyze media influence and propaganda. His research and academic leadership have left a lasting impact on the study of political behavior and communication.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](http://www.apsanet.org/ABOUT/Leadership-Governance/APSA-Presidents-1903-to-Present)
4. Mathematics Genealogy Project
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Croatian Encyclopedia
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Autoritats UB
13. LIBRIS. 2004
14. Catalogo of the National Library of India