Hm Wks 1

University of Phoenix Material

Industrial/Organizational Psychology Worksheet

  The purpose of this assignment is to examine the fundamental concepts of the field of industrial/organizational psychology. Using the textbook, the University Library, the Internet, and/or other resources, answer the following questions. Your responses to each question will vary but overall should be 700- to 1,050-words in length.


1. Describe the evolution of the field of industrial/organizational psychology.
I/O Psychology is an eclectic field that borrows concepts, ideas, techniques, and theories from other disciplines. It takes on a management perspective of organizational efficiency of human resources or people (Spector, 2012). I/O has existed almost as long as Psychology itself. Early I/O work in the United States focused on the issues of job performance and efficiency (Spector, 2012). Two psychologists are credited with finding the American I/O field: Hugo Munsterberg and Walter Dill Scott. Frederick W. Taylor was a major influence on the I/O field. Taylor developed the Scientific Management; an approach to handling production workers in factories (Spector, 2012). World War I was the first to use I/O psychology to assist in the war effort. Psychological tests were created to place new recruits in jobs that were best suited to them. Between the two world wars, I/O Psychology grew into the areas we see and use today. One of the most important events was Hawthorne’s studies. Hawthorne studied the traditional focuses, which were issues of employee productivity and organizational efficiency, he discovered that it was difficult to separate employee productivity from social aspects of organizational life (Spector, 2012). The vast range of the events in the history of I/O has helped improve organizations and work conditions for employees.

2. Explain why industrial/organizational psychology should be considered a science.   Include an explanation of how descriptive and...