Discuss three examples of how psychology can be used in the workplace, including the benefits to applying psychological concepts.

/in /by

Assignment 3: Psychology in Organizations

The field of industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is relatively new in the eyes of many organizations. As representatives of the field of industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology, we frequently find ourselves educating our audiences on how industrial/organizational (I/O) influences the workplace.

Scenario

As a representative of the industrial/organizational (I/O) profession, you have been asked to make a presentation at the next local chapter meeting of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The meeting planning committee believes that the audience of human resources (HR) and business professionals is interested in how psychology can be directly applied to the workplace.

Directions

For this assignment, you need to create and make a 5- to 10-minute presentation (use an audio component such as voice-over or recording).

Your presentation should:

  • Define the industrial/organizational (I/O) field.
  • Discuss three examples of how psychology can be used in the workplace, including the benefits to applying psychological concepts.
  • Recommend three ways to help human resources (HR) and business professionals to incorporate applied industrial/organizational (I/O) concepts in their businesses’ strategic plans.

You should present yourself as an expert in the field and support your points using scholarly sources.

Your final product will be a 5- to 10-minute presentation (using Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi, PowToon, or other presentation software and including audio or voice-over) and utilize at least two scholarly sources in your research. Apply APA standards to cite sources. Your presentation should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Technical Requirements

  • Presentation software
  • A microphone

Refer to the category Creating Presentations in the Webliography to go through some tutorials on how to create presentations.

Submission Details:

Assignment 3 Grading CriteriaMaximum Points
Defined the industrial/organizational (I/O) field.16
Discussed three examples of how psychology can be used in the workplace, including the benefits to applying psychological concepts.24
Recommended three ways to help human resources (HR) and business professionals to incorporate applied industrial/organizational (I/O) concepts in their businesses’ strategic plans. Included a justification.40
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA style); and displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.20
Total:100

What are the basic principles of Gestalt psychology, and why was it important in the early life of psychology? What areas do you think were the Gestalt principles and avenues of research best suited for in modern psychology?

/in /by

Psychology developed in the U.S. from several different perspectives; the first was the acquisition of viewpoints from European perspectives. Gestalt psychology is based on understanding the whole behavioral phenomenon instead of analyzing the individual components of behavior. Psychoanalysis is a psychological theory initially developed by Sigmund Freud through inductive reasoning and qualitative analysis of case studies. Quantitative scientific support for psychoanalysis is lacking. Sigmund Freud spent much of his life developing a viewpoint of consciousness through his work in treating individuals with mental illness. American views of psychology emerged as a unique viewpoint; people like William James, John Dewey and James Cattell provided their own perspectives on psychology. Humanistic psychology also emerged as a school of psychology in part as a reaction to psychoanalysis and Behaviorism (we will cover in Week 5).

  • What are the basic principles of Gestalt psychology, and why was it important in the early life of psychology? What areas do you think were the Gestalt principles and avenues of research best suited for in modern psychology? In your opinion, is there a place for Gestalt psychology in current psychological research and application? Why?
  • From a scientific perspective, psychoanalysis or psychodynamic views have very little validity. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Justify your answer. Why did Freudian psychoanalysis have such a seemingly dominant influence, not on U.S. psychology development, but on popular culture?
  • How did the perspectives of empiricism and structuralism lead to the development of American functionalism? Does American functionalism differ significantly from its European heritage? Why?
  • Describe the main factors of humanistic psychology. Compare and contrast their views with those of their contemporaries, such as psychoanalytic. In terms of application, what would make humanistic psychology appealing?

Justify your answers with appropriate research and reasoning. Comment on the postings of at least two peers. Provide an analysis of each peer’s postings while also suggesting specific additions or clarifications for improving the discussion question response.

To support your work make sure to utilize your course and text readings. When asked also utilize outside sources as well. As in all assignments make sure to cite your sources in your work and provide a reference for each citation utilizing APA format.

Describe behaviorism from Watson’s perspective; then, compare and contrast his viewpoints with operational positivism and the prevailing functionalism.

/in /by

The science of psychology has steadily been moving more toward a biological basis during the early 20th century but researchers found that it really didn’t explain all the nuances of human behavior. One of the more famous experiments is the Pavlov dog experiment, which described unconditioned and conditioned responses. James Watson went one step further describing behavior from what then emerged as Behaviorism. It was B.F. Skinner that shaped Behaviorism into its current state, through research on operant conditioning. Behaviorism still didn’t provide all the answers; psychology continues to evolve into different areas such as cognitive psychology.

  • Explain why Pavlov’s experiments in reflexology were an important part in the development of psychology.
  • Describe behaviorism from Watson’s perspective; then, compare and contrast his viewpoints with operational positivism and the prevailing functionalism.
  • What are the major similarities and differences between Watson and Skinner’s behaviorism? From your understanding of psychological principles, which of them had a greater influence in the areas of both research and applied psychology?
  • Psychology seems to have emerged as a science, but with an eclectic view of how to understand behavior. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Is there a difference between the research aspect of psychology and the applied side of psychology in terms of theoretical perspectives?

To support your work make sure to utilize your course and text readings. When asked also utilize outside sources as well. As in all assignments make sure to cite your sources in your work and provide a reference for each citation utilizing APA format.Answer

How does your belief system and worldview impact the way you see the world and your understanding of psychology?

/in /by

Influence of Gestalt Psychology

Influence of Gestalt Psychology

Gestalt psychology made many important contributions to the history of psychology. Today, very few courses cover Gestalt psychology as most of its thoughts are being integrated into other theories. However, Gestalt psychology has greatly impacted the understanding of perceptions and holistic approaches to psychology.  Gestalt psychology can also be applied to other realms besides visual understanding. For example, your previous knowledge may influence the way you interpret new information or your worldview impacts how you see and understand the world.

How does your belief system and worldview impact the way you see the world and your understanding of psychology?