Industrial Organizational Psychology
Exam 1 Questions and Answers
How did William James define Psychology? - ANSWER-the description and explanation
. . .that is, the study of the causes, conditions, and immediate consequences so far as
these can be ascertained, of states of consciousness . . .such as sensations, desires,
emotions, cognitions, reasonings, decision, volitions, and the like in human beings.
What is a more general definition of psychology? - ANSWER-The scientific study of
thinking and behavior
What is Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology? - ANSWER-The application of
psychological principles and methods to the problems and processes of the workplace.
Give the formal definition of I-O Psychology: - ANSWER-An area of scientific study and
professional practice that addresses psychological concepts and principles in the work
world.
Between 2012-2022 the U.S. department of labor ranked I-O psychology the ______ of
the 20 fastest growing jobs with a projected growth rate of _______%. - ANSWER-first,
53%
________________ Psychology focuses on human resource processes such as
selection, training and performance appraisal. - ANSWER-Industrial
_______________ Psychology focuses on both micro-level (employee attitudes,
motivation, well-being) and macro-level (groups/teams, organizational development and
change). - ANSWER-Organizational
Explain how the "I" and the "O" in I-O Psychology are connected: - ANSWER-"I" and
"O" topics are intertwined, just as they are in the workplace. Leadership, for example,
influences employee motivation (micro-O) and organizational development (macro-O),
but to develop leaders you need good selection and training tools (I).
Describe the difference between Scientists and Practitioners according to the Scientist-
Practitioner Model: - ANSWER-As scientists, I-O psychologists learn basic research
techniques and processes, and use those processes to ask and learn about issues that
face organizations. As practitioners, they consider how these questions and research
may be applied to workplace settings.
,Give the formal defineiton for the Scientist-Practitioner Model: - ANSWER-A model or
framework for education in an academic discipline based on understanding the scientific
principles and findings evidenced in th discipline and how they provide the basis for the
professional practice.
Do most I-O Psychologists specialize in being a Scientist-Practitioner? - ANSWER-
While I-O psychologists are trained in both, individuals typically choose one path or the
other.
What is the main difference Between courses to obtain a MS in I-O and to obtain a
MBA? - ANSWER-I-O courses are more focused on specifics and people while MBA
generally focus on a more road business level.
What are the 3 main career paths for I-O psychologists? - ANSWER-Academics,
consultants, and and research
What does the career of academics involve? - ANSWER-teaching and research in the I-
O area
What does the career of consulting involve? What are the two types? - ANSWER-
applying I-O expertise to workplace settings. This may be internal (work for an business
organization), or external (work as independent contractor or for a consulting firm)
What does the career of research involve? - ANSWER-some positions are strictly
research-oriented, working for the government or other organizations.
Although I-O psychology is a growing field only about ______% of all psychologists
work in this sector. What could be a cause of this low percentage? - ANSWER-6; the
general public is unaware of I-O psychology and many intro to psychology courses do
not mention the field of I-O.
List the 5 fields of I-O Psychology: - ANSWER-1. Selection and Placement
2. Training and Development
3. Performance Management
4. Organizational Effects
5. Quality of Work Life
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Selection and Placement" - ANSWER-
develop assessment methods for the selection, promotion, and placement of
employees.
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Training and Development" - ANSWER-
identify employee skills that need to be enhanced to improve job performance.
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Performance Management" - ANSWER-
enhancing the contributions of the workforce to facilitate attaining the overall goals of
, the organization; designing ways to assess employee work behavior & produce helpful
feedback to improve performance.
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Organizational Effects" - ANSWER-broadest
area; concerned with maintaining or improving the quality of the workforce, but also the
quality of relationships with customers and suppliers the organization needs for its
success.
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Quality of Work Life" - ANSWER-concerned
with factors that contribute to a healthy and productive workforce.
I-O psychologists strive to enhance both the ____________ and the ____________. -
ANSWER-institution and individual
I-O Psychology is the ____ APA division; list the things it focuses on: - ANSWER-14th:
Selection & Placement, Training & Development, Performance Appraisal,
Organizational Development, & Quality of Worklife
APA Division 14 is also called the ___________ _________ _____-______
___________ (_________). - ANSWER-Society for I-O Psychology (SIOP)
What is the name of the professional organization that represents I-O psychologists in
the United States? - ANSWER-Society for I-O Psychology (SIOP)
_____________: the process by which a professional practice is regulated by law to
ensure quality standards are met to protect the public; do I-O psychologists need to go
through this process? - ANSWER-Licensure; it depends on the state's laws.
What are some current topics in I-O psychology? - ANSWER-Diversity - Age, race,
gender...
Emotions in the workplace
Adaptability
Genetics
Groups
Technology
Lifelong learning
Values and Justice (Equity vs. Equality standards)
Stress
Time and time management
The origins of I-O psychology can be traced back to what? - ANSWER-during the early
1900s, two forces combined to form the beginnings of what we now call I-O psychology;
these forces were-> the pragmatic nature of some basic psychological research and the
desire of industrial engineers to improve efficiency.
Exam 1 Questions and Answers
How did William James define Psychology? - ANSWER-the description and explanation
. . .that is, the study of the causes, conditions, and immediate consequences so far as
these can be ascertained, of states of consciousness . . .such as sensations, desires,
emotions, cognitions, reasonings, decision, volitions, and the like in human beings.
What is a more general definition of psychology? - ANSWER-The scientific study of
thinking and behavior
What is Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology? - ANSWER-The application of
psychological principles and methods to the problems and processes of the workplace.
Give the formal definition of I-O Psychology: - ANSWER-An area of scientific study and
professional practice that addresses psychological concepts and principles in the work
world.
Between 2012-2022 the U.S. department of labor ranked I-O psychology the ______ of
the 20 fastest growing jobs with a projected growth rate of _______%. - ANSWER-first,
53%
________________ Psychology focuses on human resource processes such as
selection, training and performance appraisal. - ANSWER-Industrial
_______________ Psychology focuses on both micro-level (employee attitudes,
motivation, well-being) and macro-level (groups/teams, organizational development and
change). - ANSWER-Organizational
Explain how the "I" and the "O" in I-O Psychology are connected: - ANSWER-"I" and
"O" topics are intertwined, just as they are in the workplace. Leadership, for example,
influences employee motivation (micro-O) and organizational development (macro-O),
but to develop leaders you need good selection and training tools (I).
Describe the difference between Scientists and Practitioners according to the Scientist-
Practitioner Model: - ANSWER-As scientists, I-O psychologists learn basic research
techniques and processes, and use those processes to ask and learn about issues that
face organizations. As practitioners, they consider how these questions and research
may be applied to workplace settings.
,Give the formal defineiton for the Scientist-Practitioner Model: - ANSWER-A model or
framework for education in an academic discipline based on understanding the scientific
principles and findings evidenced in th discipline and how they provide the basis for the
professional practice.
Do most I-O Psychologists specialize in being a Scientist-Practitioner? - ANSWER-
While I-O psychologists are trained in both, individuals typically choose one path or the
other.
What is the main difference Between courses to obtain a MS in I-O and to obtain a
MBA? - ANSWER-I-O courses are more focused on specifics and people while MBA
generally focus on a more road business level.
What are the 3 main career paths for I-O psychologists? - ANSWER-Academics,
consultants, and and research
What does the career of academics involve? - ANSWER-teaching and research in the I-
O area
What does the career of consulting involve? What are the two types? - ANSWER-
applying I-O expertise to workplace settings. This may be internal (work for an business
organization), or external (work as independent contractor or for a consulting firm)
What does the career of research involve? - ANSWER-some positions are strictly
research-oriented, working for the government or other organizations.
Although I-O psychology is a growing field only about ______% of all psychologists
work in this sector. What could be a cause of this low percentage? - ANSWER-6; the
general public is unaware of I-O psychology and many intro to psychology courses do
not mention the field of I-O.
List the 5 fields of I-O Psychology: - ANSWER-1. Selection and Placement
2. Training and Development
3. Performance Management
4. Organizational Effects
5. Quality of Work Life
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Selection and Placement" - ANSWER-
develop assessment methods for the selection, promotion, and placement of
employees.
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Training and Development" - ANSWER-
identify employee skills that need to be enhanced to improve job performance.
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Performance Management" - ANSWER-
enhancing the contributions of the workforce to facilitate attaining the overall goals of
, the organization; designing ways to assess employee work behavior & produce helpful
feedback to improve performance.
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Organizational Effects" - ANSWER-broadest
area; concerned with maintaining or improving the quality of the workforce, but also the
quality of relationships with customers and suppliers the organization needs for its
success.
Describe the field of I-O psychology called "Quality of Work Life" - ANSWER-concerned
with factors that contribute to a healthy and productive workforce.
I-O psychologists strive to enhance both the ____________ and the ____________. -
ANSWER-institution and individual
I-O Psychology is the ____ APA division; list the things it focuses on: - ANSWER-14th:
Selection & Placement, Training & Development, Performance Appraisal,
Organizational Development, & Quality of Worklife
APA Division 14 is also called the ___________ _________ _____-______
___________ (_________). - ANSWER-Society for I-O Psychology (SIOP)
What is the name of the professional organization that represents I-O psychologists in
the United States? - ANSWER-Society for I-O Psychology (SIOP)
_____________: the process by which a professional practice is regulated by law to
ensure quality standards are met to protect the public; do I-O psychologists need to go
through this process? - ANSWER-Licensure; it depends on the state's laws.
What are some current topics in I-O psychology? - ANSWER-Diversity - Age, race,
gender...
Emotions in the workplace
Adaptability
Genetics
Groups
Technology
Lifelong learning
Values and Justice (Equity vs. Equality standards)
Stress
Time and time management
The origins of I-O psychology can be traced back to what? - ANSWER-during the early
1900s, two forces combined to form the beginnings of what we now call I-O psychology;
these forces were-> the pragmatic nature of some basic psychological research and the
desire of industrial engineers to improve efficiency.
