AP Psychology Practice Test

What does industrial/organizational psychology study?

1. Workplace behavior

2. Children's learning styles

3. Animal behavior

4. Neurological disorders

The correct answer is: Workplace behavior

Industrial/organizational psychology specifically focuses on studying workplace behavior, including how individuals and groups interact within a professional setting. This field applies psychological principles and research methods to solve problems related to human behavior in organizations. It encompasses topics like employee motivation, job satisfaction, performance assessments, leadership dynamics, and work-life balance. The ultimate goal is to enhance productivity, improve employee well-being, and create better work environments. The other options refer to areas outside the scope of industrial/organizational psychology. For example, children's learning styles fall under educational psychology, which examines how students learn and develop in educational settings. Animal behavior pertains to the study of non-human species, typically analyzed in the context of biology or zoology, while neurological disorders focus on medical and clinical psychology, investigating conditions that affect the nervous system and brain function. These distinctions highlight why workplace behavior is the central focus of industrial/organizational psychology.