exam 1 Flashcards
What is Personnel Psychology about?
Finding and keeping the right people for the job, including hiring, training, and employee growth.
What are the key components of the hiring process in Personnel Psychology?
- Developing structured interviews
- Assessments to select the best candidates
What is the focus of Organizational Psychology?
Making the workplace better for everyone by improving teamwork, leadership, motivation, and employee happiness.
How can leadership be improved according to Organizational Psychology?
Conducting workshops to help managers communicate better and lead effectively.
What does Human Engineering focus on?
Designing tools, equipment, and work environments to fit people better, ensuring jobs are easier, safer, and more efficient.
What is the role of I/O Psychologists in universities?
They are hired as professors or researchers.
In what settings can I/O Psychologists work?
- Colleges and universities
- Consulting firms
- Private sector
- Public sector
What is the significance of Wilhelm Wundt in Industrial Psychology?
Founded the first psychological laboratory in 1876 in Leipzig, Germany.
What did James McKeen Cattell focus on?
Measuring individual differences to predict human behavior.
What is the Theory of Advertising by Walter Dill Scott?
The first book addressing the potential help of psychology in advertising.
What was the purpose of the Army Alpha and Beta tests developed during World War I?
- Army Alpha: Screen literate recruits
- Army Beta: Screen non-literate recruits
What is the Golem Effect?
A phenomenon where low expectations lead to low performance.
What did the Hawthorne Studies reveal about workplace productivity?
Productivity is influenced by social and psychological factors, not just physical working conditions.
What is the Hawthorne Effect?
Changes in behavior that occur as a result of being observed or studied.
What are some reasons to conduct research in organizations?
- Avoid relying solely on intuition
- Identify candidate fit
- Basis for intelligent decisions
What is the Experimental Method in research?
Determining the effect of a variable on performance or behavior.
What is the purpose of a Control Group in experimental research?
A group not exposed to independent variables, serving as a comparison.
What is the significance of Random Group Design?
Involves random assignment of subjects to control or experimental groups.
What does Descriptive Statistics aim to convey?
A mental picture or description of a given sample or population.
What are the measures of central tendency?
- Mean
- Median
- Mode
What does Skewness measure in a distribution?
Asymmetry of the probability distribution.
What is a Leptokurtic distribution?
A statistical distribution where observations are clustered in the middle, resulting in a higher peak.
What is the definition of Differential Psychology?
The scientific study of individual differences in behavior, emotions, cognition, and personality.
What are key areas of study in Differential Psychology?
- Personality Traits
- Intelligence and Cognitive Abilities
- Motivation and Interests
- Emotional Differences
- Behavioral Tendencies
What is Psychometrics?
The field focusing on the theory and technique of psychological measurement.
What is the purpose of regression analysis?
To describe the relationship between two variables and predict one variable from another.
What does a scatter plot represent?
Values of two variables plotted on graph paper.
What is the significance of the Pygmalion Effect?
High expectations lead to improved performance.
What is the role of the American Psychological Association in Industrial Psychology?
Changed the name of Division 14 to Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) in 1982.
What is the importance of time in conducting research?
Time spent in studying the background of the research is crucial.
What are the Big Five Personality Traits?
- Openness
- Conscientiousness
- Extraversion
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism
The Big Five model is a widely accepted framework for understanding personality.
What does fluid intelligence (GF) refer to?
Mental operations such as forming concepts, problem-solving, and reorganizing data
Fluid intelligence is considered a key component of cognitive abilities.
What is crystallized intelligence (GC)?
Knowledge acquired through formal education or personal experience
This type of intelligence is often measured through standardized tests.
What is the focus of differential psychology?
Studying individual differences in traits, intelligence, motivation, and behavior
It aims to understand how these differences affect personal and social functioning.
How can differential psychology be applied in education?
- Identifying learning needs
- Enhancing teaching strategies
Tailoring methods to accommodate diverse learning styles is crucial for effective education.
What role does job analysis play in human resources?
Systematically studying and documenting job responsibilities, requirements, and working conditions
Job analysis is foundational for recruitment, training, and performance management.
What are the two types of job analysis approaches?
- Task-oriented job analysis
- Work-oriented job analysis
Each approach focuses on different aspects of job requirements and employee competencies.
What are the characteristics of high conscientiousness?
- Organized
- Detail-oriented
- Disciplined
- Goal-focused
Highly conscientious individuals are often reliable and responsible.
Define emotional intelligence.
The ability to understand and control emotions in positive ways
Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective communication and conflict resolution.
What is the purpose of job descriptions?
To list all tasks, skills, knowledge, and experience required for a job
Job descriptions are the final product of a job analysis.
What are some methods used in job analysis?
- Observation
- Interviews
- Critical incidents
- Questionnaires/Surveys
These methods help gather accurate data about job roles.
What does the term ‘neuroticism’ refer to?
The tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety and mood swings
Individuals low in neuroticism tend to be more emotionally stable.
What is the significance of the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ)?
It contains 194 items across six categories to assess job characteristics
PAQ is useful but requires a certain education level for comprehension.
What are key factors influencing behavior?
- Cognitive styles
- Motivational differences
- Emotional responses
- Situational factors
These factors shape how individuals react to stimuli.
What is the definition of ‘behavior’ in psychology?
Observable actions and reactions in response to stimuli or thoughts
Behavior is influenced by personality, cognition, and motivation.
Describe the characteristics of high agreeableness.
- Cooperative
- Empathetic
- Trustworthy
- Concerned about others’ well-being
Highly agreeable individuals often prioritize collaboration and support.
What does ‘cognitive speed’ refer to?
The ability to process and perform cognitive tasks quickly and fluidly
Cognitive speed is an important aspect of overall cognitive ability.
What is the focus of Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences?
The individual’s emotions and various types of intelligence beyond traditional IQ
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a key component of this theory.
What are some characteristics of low openness?
- Prefer routine
- Less interested in novelty
- More conventional beliefs
Individuals low in openness may resist change and new experiences.
What is the purpose of performance evaluations in job analysis?
To assess employee performance and identify areas for improvement
Performance evaluations help guide training and development efforts.
What is the relationship between personality and behavior?
Personality shapes behavior through traits, cognitive styles, and motivations
Individual differences in personality lead to varied behavioral responses.
What are the four categories provided by ONET to explain jobs?
Economic, organizational, occupational, individual.
What does a job description outline?
Duties, responsibilities, and expectations associated with a particular job.
What is the purpose of a job title?
Describes the nature of the job and helps applicants decide if their skills match expectations.
What should a brief summary in a job description include?
A single paragraph that explains the nature and purpose of the job.
What are work activities in a job description?
Tasks and activities needed to be performed, divided into categories.
What is included in the tools and equipment section of a job description?
Necessary tools, machines, and equipment needed to perform the tasks.
What does the job context section explain?
How tasks should be performed, job’s stress level, responsibilities, and work schedule.
What does work performance refer to in a job description?
Standards of the job and how employees will be evaluated.
What is covered in the compensation section of a job description?
Salary and benefits provided to employees.
What are job competencies?
Necessary skills, abilities, and knowledge (KSAOs) that an employee should possess.
What does a job specification outline?
Qualifications, skills, and personal attributes required to perform a job effectively.
What are educational requirements in a job specification?
Minimum level of education or qualifications required (e.g., a degree, certification).
What does experience refer to in a job specification?
Relevant work experience required for the role (e.g., years of experience in a similar position).
What are skills and abilities in a job specification?
Specific technical or soft skills needed (e.g., computer proficiency, communication skills).
What personal attributes might be included in a job specification?
Traits such as leadership ability, attention to detail, or ability to work in a team.
What are physical requirements in a job specification?
Any physical demands of the job (e.g., ability to lift a certain weight, stand for long periods).
What certifications and licenses might be required in a job specification?
Industry-specific certifications or licenses.
What is the key difference between a job description and a job specification?
Job Description focuses on duties and responsibilities, while Job Specification focuses on qualifications and attributes.
What does job analysis refer to?
The process of studying and documenting the responsibilities, requirements, and working conditions of a job.
What is a job interview?
A formal conversation between a candidate and an employer to assess suitability for a job.
What does job selection entail?
Evaluating and choosing the best candidate for a job from a pool of applicants.
What is job training?
A program designed to improve employees’ skills, knowledge, and performance for a specific role.
What is job design?
The process of structuring a job to improve efficiency, motivation, and satisfaction.
What does performance evaluation involve?
Systematic assessment of an employee’s work performance to provide feedback and recognize achievements.
What is job context?
Environmental and organizational factors that influence how a job is performed.
What is job competency?
Specific skills, knowledge, and behaviors required to successfully perform a job.
What does job compensation include?
Pay and benefits provided to an employee, including salary, bonuses, and perks.
