Human Factors and I/O Psychology Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Human Factors/Ergonomics?

The interaction between humans and machines (correct)

Financial performance of employees

Work-life balance

Emotional well-being in the workplace

Which of the following psychologists was NOT mentioned as a pioneer in I/O psychology?

B.F. Skinner (correct)

Lillian Gilbreth

James Cattell

John Watson

What was the purpose of the Army Alpha and Army Beta tests during World War I?

To determine compatibility with military lifestyle

To measure leadership qualities in soldiers

To evaluate soldiers' physical capabilities

To assess recruits' mental ability for unit assignments (correct)

Which assessment did Thomas A. Edison develop for employee selection?

A 163-item knowledge test Signup and view all the answers

What unique contribution did the Gilbreth couple make to I/O psychology?

Studying motions to improve productivity and reduce fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What do the Hawthorne studies represent?

The effects of workplace environments on worker behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which term was infrequently used before World War I to describe the field of I/O psychology?

Economic psychology Signup and view all the answers

How did I/O psychologists assist during World War I?

By conducting psychological evaluations for recruitment Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the initial Hawthorne studies?

Effects of various work conditions on performance Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Hawthorne effect' refer to?

Behavior changes due to receiving managerial attention Signup and view all the answers

Why is conducting research important in I/O psychology?

To ultimately save organizations money Signup and view all the answers

How can understanding research benefit decision-making in organizations?

It fosters critical listening and better analysis of results Signup and view all the answers

What misconception does research in I/O psychology help to clarify?

Common sense is often reliable for decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the research process after posing a question?

Form a hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is one role of I/O psychologists in consulting firms?

Designing systems for employee motivation Signup and view all the answers

Why is searching the literature important in the research process?

To avoid duplicating existing research Signup and view all the answers

In which sectors can I/O psychologists work?

Manufacturing, digital, logistics, and government offices Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first steps in conducting research in I/O psychology?

Deciding what to research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a laboratory setting?

Research conducted in an artificial environment Signup and view all the answers

How does forming a hypothesis contribute to the research process?

It provides an educated prediction based on previous knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What common characteristic do competing theories in psychology share?

They predict the same outcome for different reasons Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a practical research question?

I wonder if I could assemble more parts if my chair were higher. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if a specific research question has been studied extensively?

It indicates that no further research is necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between good and poor workers suggested in personnel file analysis?

Common characteristics in backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

Which method collects opinions on various topics from specific groups of people?

Survey Signup and view all the answers

What numerical outcome is produced through meta-analysis?

Mean effect size Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for a researcher when determining subject samples for a study?

Sample size, composition, and selection method Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of conducting surveys?

Focus groups Signup and view all the answers

Why might a large sample size not be necessary for research studies?

Random sampling can control extraneous variables Signup and view all the answers

In meta-analysis, what type of coefficient is commonly used to determine relationships between two variables?

Correlation coefficient (r) Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of participants recommended for generalizing survey results?

1,000 participants Signup and view all the answers

What is one critical use of job analysis in employee pay practices?

It establishes similarities and differences in job content. Signup and view all the answers

How does job analysis influence the determination of pay for positions with different job content?

Differences in job content and market rates justify different pay. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT considered in job analysis for distinguishing between jobs?

Personal preferences of candidates. Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment method uses job analysis information to measure candidates' abilities?

Work samples simulating job tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does job analysis NOT typically provide?

Personal history of potential candidates. Signup and view all the answers

Why is job analysis important for recruitment and selection?

It provides data to select candidates based on role requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Which task would NOT typically fall under job analysis information collection?

Determining employee satisfaction with job roles. Signup and view all the answers

In providing physical conditions for jobs, job analysis includes considerations for what?

Healthy conditions for workers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Factors and Ergonomics

Focuses on the interaction between humans and machines to improve workplace design and efficiency.
Addresses human-machine interaction, ergonomics, physical fatigue, and stress management.
Collaborative efforts with engineers and technical professionals aim to create safer work environments.
Activities include designing user-friendly maps, comfortable furniture, and optimal work schedules.

Historical Background of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology)

I/O Psychology emerged in the early 1900s, with key figures like Scott, Munsterburg, Cattell, and Gilbreth.
Prior to WWI, terms like "economic," "business," and "employment psychology" were used instead of "industrial psychology."
During WWI, I/O psychologists developed mental ability tests (Army Alpha and Army Beta) to place recruits in suitable military roles.
Thomas Edison created a challenging knowledge test in 1920, with only 5% passing, highlighting the importance of employee selection.
The Gilbreths pioneered techniques to enhance productivity and reduce worker fatigue through motion study.
The Hawthorne Studies illustrated how changes in attention and observation could significantly influence employee productivity, known as the Hawthorne effect.

Employment of I/O Psychologists

I/O psychologists engage in education, research, and administrative roles.
They work in consulting firms, aiding organizations with employee motivation, workforce selection, and training.
Employment settings include public sectors like government agencies and various private industries.

Importance of Research in I/O Psychology

Research helps organizations save money through improved employee satisfaction, productivity, and reduced accidents.
Informed decision-making improves with a strong understanding of research findings and data analysis.
Common sense can often be misleading; research clarifies misconceptions and addresses assumptions.

Steps in Conducting Research in I/O Psychology

Identifying research topics often begins with a question that seeks to understand specific workplace phenomena.
Formulating a hypothesis provides a basis for educated predictions about outcomes based on prior knowledge.
Reviewing existing literature helps validate the necessity and originality of the proposed research.
Deciding on the study's location, whether in controlled laboratory settings or natural field environments, influences findings.
Choosing the research method may involve surveys, personnel file analysis, or meta-analysis of prior studies to derive conclusions.
Determining subject samples involves evaluating size and selection processes to achieve representativeness in findings.

Job Analysis and Its Applications

Job analysis clarifies the nature of jobs, organizational structure, employee qualifications, and relationships between roles.
It identifies necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), work activities, performance standards, and working conditions.
Enables development of selection assessments to evaluate candidates based on critical job-related tasks.
Facilitates hiring managers in making informed recruitment and selection decisions by understanding job distinctions.

Advantages of Job Analysis

Assists in recruitment and selection by clarifying what competencies and qualifications are needed for various positions.

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Description

This quiz explores the key concepts of Human Factors and Ergonomics, focusing on the interaction between humans and machines to enhance workplace design. It also delves into the historical background of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, highlighting its development, key figures, and contributions during significant events like WWI. Test your knowledge on how these fields aim to improve workplace efficiency and safety.