MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
PSY 255 INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Spring 2012
Tuesday Thursday 2:40pm – 4pm
Professor: Dr. Chu-Hsiang (Daisy) Chang
Office: Psychology Building 346
Office Hours: Thursday 12:30 – 2:30pm, or by appointment
Phone: 517-355-2171
Email: cchang@msu.edu
Office: Psychology Building 74
Email: seefion@msu.edu
Teaching Assistant: Fion See
Office hours: Tuesday 10:30am – 12:30pm
REQUIRED TEXT
Levy, P. E. (2009). Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Understanding the Workplace (3rd edition). New
York: Palgrave Macmillan.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to industrial and organizational psychology which will provide a
critical examination of people at work. It is designed to be a survey class and covers a wide range of
traditional and contemporary topics in the field. Traditionally, industrial psychology is concerned
with human resource functions such as analyzing jobs, and recruiting, selecting, training, and
appraising employees. Organizational psychology explores topics such as employee attitudes, work
behaviors, motivation, and leadership. Contemporary developments in the I-O field include issues
related to employee diversity, affect and emotions, and justice perceptions.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
(1) Discuss the roles of I-O psychologists play in industry, government, and academia;
(2) Explain and evaluate major concepts and theories in the I-O psychology field;
(3) Perform basic human resource functions for an organization;
(4) Apply principles of I-O psychology to understand people’s behaviors at work.
CLASS ACTIVITY PAPERS
Throughout the semester, there will be classroom activities (group discussions, practicing interview,
etc.) that are designed to give you some applied experiences with the topics covered in the class. Class
activities are listed in the schedule below. There is a written component for each class activity that
you will need to turn in at the end of the class period. Each paper for the activity is worth 25 points,
with a total of 175 points, composing 35% of your final grade.
IN-CLASS TEST
Tests will be closed book and closed notes. They will consist of multiple choice questions. There will
be two in-class tests, each test is worth 100 points.
FINAL EXAM
The final exam will be closed book and closed notes and consist of multiple choice questions. It will
be on Monday, 30th April from 3 – 5pm in the regular room where the class meets. It is worth 100
points.
PARTICIPATION
i-Clickers will provide an opportunity for you to self-assess your understanding of material and
provide feedback to me as an instructor. Calculation of credit for clicker points takes into account the
likelihood that you may miss several classes due to illness or emergencies, or that you may forget
your clicker or miss an opportunity during class due to momentary inattention. There are 5
participation opportunities per class during 25 separate classes this term for a total of 125 possible
clicks. (In some classes such as exam reviews we will likely have more than 5 clicker questions, but
only 5 per class count). Points are given for participating and are not contingent on correctly
answering a question. Points will be assigned on the scale below
100 clicks
87-99 clicks
75-86 clicks
62-74 clicks
61 or less clicks
full credit (80% or more participation)
less than 80% participation
less than 70% participation
less than 60% participation
less than 50% participation
25 points
20 points
17.5 points
15 points
0 points
To be clear, if you miss class or forget your clicker, you do not need to inform me or the TA as this
scale is very generous in allowing for such events. It also means that there is no value in attempting to
talk your way into more clicker points. There is no value in arguing that you deserve some credit for
less than 61clicks – this means that you missed more than half of the classes and cannot be considered
as being an active participant. Recording of clicker credit starts on 12th January. Be sure to register
your clicker following the instruction listed below. We may also do a roll call in class to ensure that
everyone’s clicker is registered. The participation will be worth 5% of your final grade.
To register your clicker so that you can receive your participation credit, you will do so online within
the first week of class. While you can register online at any time, you must have come to class at least
once and voted on at least one question in order to complete the registration process. Once you have
voted on a question in my class, go to “Complete the fields with your first name, last name, student
ID, and remote ID. Your student ID should be your MSU email account (e.g., cchang@msu.edu). The
remote ID is the series of numbers and sometimes letters found on the bottom of the back of your iClicker remote. i-Clicker will be used every day in class, and you are responsible for bringing your
remote daily.
If you need technical support for i-Clicker, please contact (866) 209-5698 or via email
support@iclicker.com from 9AM-11PM EST, M-F. The iclicker website (www.iclicker.com) also has
support documentation, video tutorials, and FAQs for students.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
Class activity papers
Two in-class tests
One final exam
Participation
175 points
200 points
100 points
25 points
Final Grades will be determined as follows:
Grade
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
Total points
450 and above
425 – 449
400 – 424
375 – 399
350 – 374
325 – 349
300 – 324
Below 300
Percentage
90% and above
85 – 89%
80 – 84%
75 – 79%
70 – 74%
65 – 69%
60 – 64%
59% and below
EXTRA CREDIT
Students will have opportunities to earn up to 20 extra credit points. There are two sources for the
extra credit points. First, you can earn extra credit through the HPR system by participating in
research. For research participation, please see the instruction at the end of the syllabus. Please note
that participation in research is completely voluntary. Next, opportunities exist throughout the
semester to complete extra credit assignments as handed out during class by the instructor.
MAKE-UP POLICY
All assignments and tests must be completed when scheduled. Unless prior permission has been
obtained, NO late or makeup assignments or tests will be accepted or given. Permission may be
granted for those who contact the instructor prior to the scheduled date, and provides her with valid
documentation related to the absence either before or after the absence.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly encouraged, and it will influence your participation grade
once you miss too many classes. You are expected to be aware of any changes in dates of assignment
or tests. Ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you
exchange contact information with at least two other classmates in case you have to miss a class.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY
The official university policy is as follows:
It has always been the policy of the University to permit students and faculty to observe those holidays set aside by
their chosen religious faith. The faculty and staff should be sensitive to the observance of these holidays so that
students who absent themselves from classes on these days are not seriously disadvantaged. It is the responsibility
of those students who wish to be absent to make arrangements in advance with their instructors. It is also the
responsibility of those faculty who wish to be absent to make arrangements in advance with their chairpersons,
who shall assume the responsibility for covering their classes. As Michigan State University has become
increasingly multicultural, the incidence of conflicts between mandatory academic requirements and religious
observances has increased. In the absence of a simple and dignified way to determine the validity of individual
claims, the claim of a religious conflict should be accepted at face value. Be aware that some degrees of observance
may have a more extensive period of observance. Instructors may expect a reasonable limit to the number of
requests by any one student. Some instructors attempt to cover all reasons for student absences from required
academic events such as quizzes or exams with a blanket policy, e.g., allowing the student to drop one grade or two
quizzes without penalty. If this is meant to extend to religious observances, the instructor should state this clearly
at the beginning of the term. If instructors require make-up exams, they retain the right to determine the content
of the exams and the conditions of administration, giving due consideration to equitable treatment.
MISCONDUCT
Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty will result in failure of the course.
The official university policy is as follows:
The principles of truth and honesty are fundamental to the educational process and the academic integrity of the
University; therefore, no student shall:
1. claim or submit the academic work of another as one’s own.
2. procure, provide, accept or use any materials containing questions or answers to any examination or
assignment without proper authorization.
3. complete or attempt to complete any assignment or examination for another individual without proper
authorization.
4. allow any examination or assignment to be completed for oneself, in part or in total, by another without proper
authorization.
5. alter, tamper with, appropriate, destroy or otherwise interfere with the research, resources, or other academic
work of another person.
6. fabricate or falsify data or results.
INCOMPLETE POLICY
The official university policy is as follows:
The I-Incomplete may be given only when: the student (a) has completed at least 6/7 of the term of instruction, but
is unable to complete the class work and/or take the final examination because of illness or other compelling reason;
and (b) has done satisfactory work in the course; and (c) in the instructor's judgment can complete the required
work without repeating the course.
Provided these conditions are met, the instructor electing to give an I-Incomplete files an Agreement for
Completion of (I) Incomplete at the time course grades are due. This agreement specifies what the student must do,
and when, to remove the I-Incomplete. The department or school office gives a copy to the student, and retains a
copy for at least one year.
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)
Week
Topic and Readings
1: 10th January
Introduction
1: 12th January
Chapter 1: History of I-O
2: 17th January
Chapter 2: Research Methods
2: 19th January
Chapter 2: Research Methods
3: 24th January
Chapter 3: Job Analysis
3: 26th January
Chapter 3: Job Analysis
4: 31st January
Chapter 4: Criterion Measurement
4: 2nd February
Chapter 4: Criterion Measurement and
Chapter 5: Performance Appraisal
5: 7th February
Chapter 5: Performance Appraisal
5: 9th February
Review for test 1
6: 14th February
In-class Test 1
Class Activities
Design a study exercise
Job analysis exercise
Performance appraisal exercise
Chapters 1 – 5; class notes
6: 16th February
Chapter 6: Predictors
7: 21st February
Chapter 6: Predictors
7: 23rd February
Chapter 7: Selection Decisions
8: 28th February
Chapter 7: Personnel Laws
8: 1st March
Chapter 8: Training
Predictor exercise
Spring Break (5th – 9th March)
9: 13th March
Chapter 8: Training &
Chapter 12: Group processes and teams
9: 15th March
Chapter 12: Group processes and teams
10: 20th March
Review for test 2
10: 22nd March
In-class Test 2
Group process exercise
Chapters 6 – 8, 12; class notes
11: 27th March
Chapter 9: Motivation
11: 29th March
Chapter 9: Motivation
12: 3rd April
Chapter 10: Job Attitudes
Job redesign exercise
12: 5th April
Chapter 10: Job Attitudes
13: 10th April
Chapter 11: Stress and well-being
13: 12th April
Chapter 11: Stress and well-being &
Chapter 13: Leadership
14: 17th April
Chapter 13: Leadership
14: 19th April
Review for final exam
15: 24th April, 26th April
No class meeting – The 27th Annual SIOP Conference
16: 30th April
Final Exam
Chapters 9 – 11, 13; class notes
* The instructor reserves the right to change the content of this syllabus.
Leadership exercise
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY—DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Participation in Psychological Research: Information for Students
As part of your psychology course, you are encouraged to participate in research projects conducted or
supervised by the faculty of the department. The purpose of such participation is to give you some direct
experience with real experiments and to give you a better idea of how the work of psychology is actually carried
out. Participation is a course requirement for all sections of PSY 101.
SPECIAL NOTE: Students under 18 years of age may not participate in any HPR experiments. Special
options have been created for students under 18 to meet the 14 credit participation. Contact Leslie Baldwin
(lbaldwin@msu.edu) the HPR Student Coordinator, in Room 262, Psychology building if you are under 18
and want to learn more about these options.
Steps in Research Participation: Registering as a Participating Student.
The purpose of this handout is to go over some of the things you will need to know before participating in
psychological research. The first step is registering. This, like nearly all your scheduling activities is handled
through a site on the Internet/World Wide Web. Its address is: http://psychology.msu.edu/HPRSystem/
***If you have participated in the HPR in previous semesters you will need to create a new account. ***
You can access it using standard Web browsers (such as Netscape, Firefox or Microsoft Explorer). This will
bring HPR main page. Click on the Participant button. The first time you visit this page you must create your
account. Click on the button that says Create an account - you will be directed to the page that says Enter the
Account Creation ID. This semester your Account Creation ID is psych2012 – in the box used to enter the
access code, type it just like this (in lower case), then click on Enter. You will now see the registration page
where you should provide all the requested information. Once your account is created, you will be able to log
directly into the system with your user ID and MSU e-mail address. Please make sure you fill out all the fields
in the registration form. Registrations with incompleted fields will not be able to view the available studies.
Among other things you will be asked to select the course and section number to which you wish to have your
participation credits credited. It is CRITICAL that you select the correct course and section number. If you
select an incorrect course or section, the credits that you earn through participation will NOT be relayed to the
proper instructor and will not be counted in calculating your course grade. If you are enrolled in more than one
participating class you will disperse the credits you earn between the classes (credits cannot be shared) on the
“My Schedule “page on your HPR account.
During some semesters, experimenters may want to get some background information on those participating in
their experiments. They do this by having students answer Global Questionnaires. The more of these that you
fill out, the more experiments you will be eligible to participate in. So, after registering, you should click on the
Answer Global Questionnaires button and see if any are posted.
Signing-up for research: You can sign up for experiments 24-hours a day on the Web site. To do so, get to the
Student Menu (following the procedure described above). Then, to see a list of all experiments that are
currently recruiting participants, click on the Sign up for an Experiment button and follow the indicated
directions. Please make sure you read the participant task and any restrictions for the experiment you are
signing up for.
Canceling appointments: Experimenters have invested a great deal of time and money in preparing an
experiment. This goes to waste if you fail to keep your appointment. In such cases, you can cancel your
appointment 24 hrs prior to the start time by clicking on the button marked View/Modify My Schedule at the
Student Menu on the Web site and following the instructions for canceling an appointment. (You need to know
the name of the experiment and the date/time you signed up for.) If it is after the 24 hour deadline you need
to e-mail the HPR student coordinator Leslie Baldwin, (lbaldwin@msu.edu ).
If you lost the appointment time and place: Sometimes, people mislay the date-time-location information for
an experiment they've signed up for. If this happens to you and you ever need to check on your appointments
(where you're supposed to be and when), you can always click on the button marked View/Modify my
Schedule at the Web site to get this information. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by writing down all the
information and keeping it in a safe place.
Reporting for a research appointment: Be sure to give yourself enough time to get to the experiment on time,
(Arriving 10 minutes before the experiment is to begin is suggested) If you are late, you could find the
experiment in progress and the door locked. On rare occasions, an experimenter may not make his/her
appointment with you because of unusual circumstances (e.g., a car breakdown, a personal emergency). If this
happens contact Leslie Baldwin, the HPR student coordinator in Room 262, Psychology Building or email her
at: lbaldwin@msu.edu to report it (email is preferred).
Rights of Students Participating in Psychology Research
Participation must be voluntary/optional activities. First, it is Department, University, and Federal policy that
no student be compelled in any way to participate in research. If you participate in research, it must be done
voluntarily. Therefore, even in classes where research participation is required, students must be offered one or
more alternative activities to meet their requirement. If you want to avail yourself of such an alternative activity,
you may get information from your professor. Note that on rare occasions there are more people interested in
participating in experiments than there are openings in the experiments. If this occurs this semester, additional
alternative activities will be provided later in the semester.
Participation should be educational. Second, participating in research should be a learning experience for you.
You have a right to obtain information about the experiments in which you serve as a participant. You are
entitled to have your questions about the experiment answered. Also, at least five minutes of every
experimental session must be devoted to teaching you something about the experiment. You are entitled to
receive a written summary of the experiment, including the name and phone number of the person in charge of
the experiment, whom you may contact if you have additional questions.
The right to discontinue participation: Third, the Department of Psychology is highly concerned that no study
be conducted that would in any way be harmful to you. Even so, it is possible that in rare cases you will feel
uncomfortable about participating in a study for which you have volunteered. Just remember, you always have
the right to leave any experiment. You don't have to explain or justify why you want to leave, and you can
never be penalized for leaving.
The right to receive earned credits: Finally, if you do what you're supposed to do (sign up properly, show up
at the right place at the right time, etc.), you have a right to receive the credit you've earned. So, for example,
even if an experimenter has an equipment breakdown, you're still entitled to receive credit for the time you've
spent in the study. However, do not sign up for the same study twice. Please remember that credit values are
based on the time it takes to complete a study, (1 credit equal to 30 minutes) and not the study itself. Credits
are not automatically awarded and it may take researchers a few days to collect their data and record
attendance. The HPR does not penalize participants for missing studies but we do appreciate being notified
if you cannot make your session. Participants are NOT penalized for No Shows or if they cancel an
appointment.
Reporting problems: If you ever encounter some problem or feel that your rights have been violated, we
want to know about it. Problems you have will be handled by Leslie Baldwin, the HPR student coordinator,
email address lbaldwin@msu.edu or come to Room 262 Psychology Building. They will be investigated and
appropriate action will be taken. You will need to know the name of the experiment and the date/time you
signed up for.
Conclusions: We want to emphasize that negative experiences are very rare; most students who serve as
participants in research at Michigan State find their participation interesting and enjoyable. When you serve as
a participant in psychological research you're benefiting personally by learning more about what the science of
psychology is really about, but you're also benefiting many others. Others like the psychologists who are
working to get a better understanding of interesting and important behavioral questions. Others like people
who will benefit when that knowledge is ultimately applied to everyday human problems like loneliness,
depression, divorce, and self development. And others like future generations of students. Who knows?
Perhaps the research you participate in this semester will be featured in future psychology textbooks, just as
some of the experiments you'll study this semester had their data supplied by previous generations of MSU
students. We hope and expect that you'll put as much in and get as much out of research participation as they
did.