Foundations of I/O Psychology
I/O Psychology is the scientific study of human __________ in the __________.
behavior, workplace
What is the term that describes how involved and committed employees feel at work?
Employee Engagement
A __________ is a document that lists job duties and qualifications.
Job Description
What type of training involves learning while actually doing the job (ex. shadowing a coworker)?
On-the-job training
What term describes the physical and emotional response to job demands that exceed an employee’s resources?
Stress
I/O psychologists often use this scientific method to study behavior and solve workplace problems.
Research methods
Money, praise, and promotions are examples of __________ rewards.
Extrinsic
What type of interview focuses on past experiences to understand how candidates may act in the future?
Behavioral Interview
What is the difference between soft and hard skills?
Soft skills = personal attributes that determine how you work (ex. communication, teamwork)
Hard skills = more technical, teachable, and job-specific (ex. coding, financial accounting)
This workplace factor—such as workload, role ambiguity, or lack of control—can increase employee stress levels.
Job Stressor
This concept describes the extent to which a selection test actually measures what it claims to measure.
Validity
What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs(from bottom to top)?
Physiological → Safety → Love & Belonging → Self-Esteem → Self-Actualization
First impressions can lead to which hiring bias?
The Halo/Horn Effect
What is acting out real workplace situations during training called?
Role-playing
This leadership theory argues that leaders adapt their style based on followers’ readiness and competence levels.
Situational Leadership Theory
I/O psychology is based on the __________ perspective, which emphasizes that employee behavior is influenced by both individual characteristics and the work environment.
Interactionist (person–situation) perspective
This theory suggests that employees are most motivated when they feel autonomy, competence, and relatedness at work.
Self-Determination Theory
This type of interview uses the same questions and scoring criteria for all candidates to improve fairness and validity.
Structured Interview
__________ focuses on improving performance through one-on-one guidance and specific feedback.
Coaching
This theory suggests that stress occurs when individuals perceive that environmental demands exceed their coping resources.
Transactional Model of Stress
This type of selection error occurs when an applicant who would have performed poorly on the job is hired.
False Positive
According to expectancy theory, motivation is influenced by an employee’s belief that effort will lead to performance, performance will lead to outcomes, and that the outcomes are valued. What are the three components of this theory?
Expectancy, Instrumentality, Valence
This statistical method is used in I/O psychology to combine multiple predictors (such as test scores and interview ratings) to improve hiring decisions.
Multiple Regression
How do managers assess and identify skill gaps in employees?
Conduct a Needs Assessment
This term describes stress that has a positive, motivating effect on performance and well-being.
Eustress