Modern industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology has been greatly affected by the history of its development. Provide an overview of how the field developed over the course of the 20th century

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
? Starting at the start of the 20th century, scientific methods were used to study the techniques of workers. Using this approach, they were able to develop more efficient techniques that were also safer and more enjoyable for the laborers.
? Around the same time, others were attempting to develop employee management strategies for industrial workers.
? Industrial psychology at this time viewed employees as part of the manufacturing process, along with raw materials and equipment. This work focused on the hiring of raw talent, and then the training and motivating of these employees.
? The use of psychologists during World Wars I & II by the military for hiring and training provided an important boost to the field.
? As the U.S. economy moved away from factories and into offices and the service industry, psychology in the workplace began to include more organizational psychology, focusing on the culture and organizational qualities of work.