Robert F. Mager

Robert F. Mager was an American psychologist and author. He made notable contributions to the field of instructional design.

Mager was one of the founders of the International Society for Performance Improvement (or ISPI, originally known as NSPI) in 1962. 

Mager’s first book, Preparing Objectives for Programmed Instruction (later titled Preparing Instructional Objectives), was written in 1962 and still widely regarded in the field of instructional design. He conceptualized and built a framework for preparing learning objectives and criterion-referenced instruction (CRI). Here, he addressed key areas including student  motivation and evaluation, goal orientation, educational change, and performance psychology. This book  is part of the Museum of Education’s books of the century list. Mager is also one of the 10 most cited authors in the field.

Some of his most read works are collectively known as the “Mager Six-Pack.” They are,

• Mager, R. F. (1997). Preparing instructional objectives. Center for Effective Performance.

• Mager, R. F. (1984). Making instruction work. Fearon Publishers.

• Mager, R. F., & Pipe, P. (1970). Analyzing performance problems. Fearon Publishers.

• Mager, R. F. (1997). Goal analysis: How to clarify your goals so you can actually achieve them. Center for Effective Performance.

• Mager, R. F., & Pipe, P. (1970). Developing attitude toward learning. Fearon Publishers.

• Mager, R. F., & Pipe, P. (1970). Measuring instructional results. Fearon Publishers.