Chapter 1: Introduction to I/O Psychology

Question 1

What is Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology)?

Answer 1

It is a branch of psychology that applies the principles of psychology to the workplace.

Question 2

Psychology of Learning

Answer 2

Training programs and incentives & motivation and emotion.

Question 3

Social Psychology

Answer 3

Work groups and understanding employee conflicts.

Question 4

What best distinguishes I/O Psychology from related fields typically taught in business colleges?

Answer 4

The application of psychological principles.

Question 5

Main difference between I/O Psychology and business fields

Answer 5

I/O Psychology examines factors that affect the people in an organization as opposed to the broader aspects of running an organization such as marketing channels, transportation networks, and cost accounting.

Question 6

Industrial Approach

Answer 6

Focuses on determining the competencies needed to perform a job, staffing the organization with employees who have those competencies, and increasing those competencies through training.

Question 7

Organizational approach

Answer 7

Creates an organizational structure and culture that will motivate employees to perform well, give them the necessary information to do their jobs, and provide working conditions that are safe and result in an enjoyable and satisfying work/life environment.

Question 8

Personnel Psychology

Answer 8

The field of study that concentrates on the selection and evaluation of employees.

(Analyzing jobs, recruiting applicants, selecting employees, determining salary levels, training employees, and evaluating employee performance)

Question 9

Organizational Psychology

Answer 9

The field of study that investigates the behavior of employees within the context of an organization.

(Issues of leadership, job satisfaction, employee motivation, organizational communication, conflict management, organizational change, and group processes)

Question 10

Human Factors / Ergonomics

Answer 10

The field of study concentrating on the interaction between humans and machines.

(Workplace design, human-machine interaction, ergonomics, and physical fatigue and stress)

Question 11

In 1903, Walter Dill Scott published what book?

Answer 11

The Theory of Advertising.

Question 12

In 1911, Walter Dill Scott published what book?

Answer 12

Increasing Human Efficiency in Business.

Question 13

In 1913, Hugo Münsterberg published what book?

Answer 13

Psychology and Industrial Efficiency.

Question 14

Who developed perceptual and motor tests for potential pilots?

Answer 14

John Watson.

Question 15

Who was responsible for increasing the efficiency with which cargo ships were built, repaired, and loaded?

Answer 15

Henry Gantt.

Question 16

Who created a 163-item knowledge test that was administered to over 900 applicants for employee selection?

Answer 16

Thomas A. Edison.

(Note: He is not a psychologist)

Question 17

The scientists who improved productivity and reduced fatigue by studying the motions used by workers were?

Answer 17

Frank Gilbreth & Lillian Moller Gilbreth.

Question 18

In the 1930s, what were these famous studies that caused psychologists to become more involved in the quality of the work environment and the attitude of employees?

Answer 18

Hawthorne studies.

(These studies investigated issues such as the effects of lighting levels, work schedules, wages, temperature, and rest breaks on employee performance)

Question 19

What is it called when employees change their behavior due solely to the fact that they are receiving attention or are being observed?

Answer 19

Hawthorne effect.

Question 20

1960s

Answer 20

Passage of several major pieces of civil rights legislation focusing on the attention of HR professionals on developing fair selection techniques.

Question 21

1960s (2)

Answer 21

Characterized by the use of sensitivity training and T-groups (laboratory training groups) for managers

Question 22

1970s

Answer 22

Strides in the understanding of many organizational psychology issues that involved employee satisfaction and motivation.

Question 23

2000s

Answer 23

Rapid advances in technology

Question 24

Four (4) major changes to I/O Psychology in the 1980s and 1990s

Answer 24

1. Increased use of fairly sophisticated statistical techniques and methods of analysis.
2. A new interest in the application of cognitive psychology to industry.
3. Increased interest in the effects of work on family life and leisure activities.
4. I/O Psychologists took a renewed interest in developing methods to select employees.

Question 25

Other Factors Impacting Current I/O Psychology

Answer 25

1. Changing demographic makeup of the workforce
2. Diversity
3. Global Economy
4. High unemployment rates
5. Movements toward flexible work schedules
6. Family-friendly work policies
7. Accommodation of an increasing number of employees with child-care and elder-care responsibilities
8. Flatter organizational structures with fewer management levels
9. Population shifts from urban to suburban locations
10. Increasing costs of health-care benefits

Question 26

I/O Psychologists typically work in one of four settings

Answer 26

1. Colleges and Universities
2. Consulting Firms
3. Private Sector
4. Public Sector