OPSY Unit 1

Course Textbook: Spector, P. E. (2012). Industrial and organizational psychology: Research and practice (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Question 1

Describe the differences between industrial psychology and organizational psychology, and give examples of activities that fall under each. Describe the current state of the field of I/O psychology in other countries. Your response should be at least 200 words in length.

Question 2

Describe the Hawthorne studies. What did the researchers find? What is the Hawthorne effect? Have you ever experienced or observed the Hawthorne effect in action (please explain)? Your response should be at least 200 words in length.

Question 3

Compare and contrast the role of an I/O professor with that of a practicing I/O psychologist. What activities do they share in common? What distinguishes the two professions from each other? Your response should be at least 200 words in length.

Question 4

Suppose you want to develop a new measure for student motivation. Suggest ways in which you would develop the measure to ensure it is reliable and valid. Your response should be at least 200 words in length.

Question 5

Describe the role of research in I/O psychology. What research methods do I/O psychologists use, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of each approach? Your response should be at least 200 words in length.