Question 1

Pick a set of three words that work with the definition of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychology.

Accepted Answer

The definition of I/O reads: The study of how individual behavior affects and is affected by the physical environment and the organizational structure of the workplace.

Question 2

Industrial/Organizational psychology is a combination of three major areas. They include:

Accepted Answer

There are three primary areas of interest for I/O psychologists. They are human factors, personnel, and organizational psychology.

Question 3

What does Human Factor Psychology address?

Accepted Answer

Human factors psychology studies ways to improve the design and function of machines and the work environment to better meet the needs of human users. For example, Human factors psychologists help design controls and displays in automobiles. They also helped design the ATM machines.

Question 4

Personnel Psychology is obviously related with personnel. What would that include?

Accepted Answer

The Personnel branch of I/O psychology involves the recruiting, selecting, training, and evaluating of workers. It plays an important role in locating the right person for the right job.

Question 5

What does an employee performance evaluation tell a company?

Accepted Answer

A wide range of things can be covered in an employee performance evaluation. One on one time with a supervisor can be a bonding feature and all types of concerns, job situations, praise, and future training needs. Of course, a big factor is how it is handled.

Question 6

What two words best describe a Job Analysis?

Accepted Answer

A job analysis is a detailed description of the tasks involved in a job, the relationship between that job and other jobs, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job successfully.

Question 7

Sexual harassment is a big part of the work environment and takes place in the political and academic setting, as well as in the workplace. Pick out the true statements about sexual harassment listed below.

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, sexual harassment is still very much a part of many work environments. One of the misconceptions about it is that it is often reported. A survey has found that of the women that were harassed, 75% ignored the harassment and only 18% reported the harassment. It's not reported often for all of the above reasons. Men can also be the victim of sexual harassment, but it appears to be less common.

Question 8

Sexual harassment is primarily _____________and not an expression of sexual desire.

Accepted Answer

People mistakenly believe that sexual harassment is primarily an expression of sexual desire. It is, instead, an assertion and a show of abuse and power over another human being.

Question 9

There have been two basic types of managers identified by their different assumptions about human nature. Pick their theories based on McGregor's theories on managerial attitudes.

Accepted Answer

The two basic types of managers are those (theory X) that are negative towards their employees, always looking for the wrong; and those (theory Y) that take a positive outlook with their employees and look for (and find) the best in each one.
Social psychologist Douglas McGregor developed two contrasting theories that explained how managers' beliefs about what motivates their people could affect their management style. McGregor named these concepts Theory X (Authoritative) and Theory Y (Participative). These theories continue to be important even today.
If a manager believes that their team members dislike their work and have little motivation, they will likely use an authoritarian management style. 
This approach is very "hands-on" and usually involves micromanaging people's work to ensure they perform the job correctly. McGregor called this Theory X.
On the other hand, if you believe that your people take pride in their work and see it as a challenge, you'll more likely adopt a participative management style. Managers who use this approach trust their people to take ownership of their work and do it effectively by themselves. McGregor called this Theory Y. 
The approach a leader takes significantly impacts their ability to motivate team members.

Question 10

A key method of Theory Y management is the idea that the people involved in implementing a decision are also involved in making it. This is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Participative Decision Making is a decision making model in which the people involved in implementing a decision are also involved in making it. This promotes team work and avoids conflicts between managers and employees.

Question 11

Why do some workers put in long hours and stay late while some arrive late and leave early? These differences are why employers are interested in Worker Motivation. There are three Theories that promote worker motivation. Pick the one listed here.

Accepted Answer

The three theories are Goal-Setting Theory, Equity Theory, and Expectancy Theory. Equity theory says that we are strongly motivated to maintain a state of equilibrium or balance. In a work setting, employees prefer jobs in which the output is equal to the input. If imbalances occur, workers adjust their input, output, or their psychological perceptions.

Question 12

Part of Personnel Psychology includes interviewing. Most people hate being interviewed. One of the reasons for this is something called 'First date' syndrome. What is not associated with this syndrome?

Accepted Answer

In initial interview meetings with important, but unstated outcomes, both parties behave with artificial care and skill.

Question 13

Why are interviewees tense and anxious?

Accepted Answer

Applicants know they are being evaluated and compared to others and they need what the employer has to give. This makes most interviewees tense and anxious.

Question 14

When one person meets another, impressions tend to be formed immediately. These first impressions are often difficult to change. What word, or words, is given to describe or mean this situation?

Accepted Answer

When one person meets another for the first time, sometimes nothing more than clothes or facial appearance helps to form a first impression. These first impressions are referred to as subjectivity.

Question 15

There are some things that can help an interviewee be more prepared, and thus less nervous, for an interview. Which of the following is not one of these things?

Accepted Answer

It helps with interviewing if, prior to the interview, you research the job and company so you can better formulate your answers. It is also helpful to role play your interview with a friend or family member. It helps to remember that being your own friendly, eager, and assertive self has helped you in previous first meetings of any kind.

Question 16

Nearly all companies do employee evaluations at least every year. During the evaluation process, there is something referred to as the 'Halo Effect.' What does this refer to?

Accepted Answer

The halo effect is the tendency to rate individuals either too high or too low on the basis of one outstanding trait. The halo effect is a characteristic defect in rating scales.

Question 17

Employee training typically begins with an orientation program. What is the major unstated goal of orientation?

Accepted Answer

The major unstated goal of orientation is to transmit organizational culture. Within each organization, a distinct culture exists, complete with taboos, traditions, assumptions, etc. It is helpful for a new employee to look beyond what is being said and "read between the lines" to get some insight into company culture.

Question 18

A career counselor can help people develop the skills needed for effective job seeking. What are two of these skills?

Accepted Answer

Helping people develop skills like resume writing and interviewing techniques are some of the things career counselors do to create a more effective job search. Other skills they might teach include post-interview etiquette, the 30-second "sound bite" of personal information, and dressing for success.

Question 19

When meeting with a client, a career counselor might _____________.

Accepted Answer

Career counseling involves using a wide variety of inventories designed to assess interests, abilities, and values to help the client pinpoint career goals. The counselor may also assist the client in self-exploration and values clarification to further the likelihood for setting goals that will be successful. They may also teach a variety of skills such as decision-making, effective goal setting, and life planning.

Question 20

In the Social Cognitive Career theory, people sometimes eliminate many career possibilities when looking at choices because ________________.

Accepted Answer

According to social cognitive career theory, many people eliminate occupational choices because they have faulty self-efficacy beliefs or low expectations of their ability to perform in certain types of jobs. People with low confidence in math or science may eliminate any engineering or medical careers because of their belief they would not be able to perform well academically.

Quiz 3: Career