Industrial Organizational Psychology
Exam 1
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)
Exam 1
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)
