Semester 1

Transition is a complicated process.

While I should have been documenting new concepts and reflecting on my graduate school experience between the months of August and December, I was busy being 'the other type of human'. That is, the type of vulnerability and slowly adjusting to change. Living on a small island in the Caribbean is apparently a unique experience with sugar coatings on completely different facets of life than those in these the United States.

Nonetheless, I can almost say "I have survived my first semester of graduate school" and reward myself with a complete day under the covers. At the close of this chapter, as I prepare for finals and ice falling from the heavens, I move to try the other 'type' on.


The I, the O and ..........orthogonality

This semester I completed two seminar courses and one statistics course. By far, my interest was more towards the seminars which included a massive amount of journal article reading and presentations. Nonetheless, the overarching lesson from the seminars was the distinction between the I and O of the field. While being a lengthy title, Industrial Organization Psychology is simply the scientific study of human behaviour in the workplace. The I places specific emphasis on personnel within organizations and includes topics such as recruitment, selection, legal issues and job analysis. On the other hand, the O involves a more general approach with focus on motivation, stress, leadership and group behaviour. Both go together like bread and butter :)

Due to the scientific nature of the field, our lovely friend Mr. Statistics is welcomed to the party. He taught me a new word...orthogonal. I will leave that there.

IO You

'IO You' will be the bridge between my academic and practical experience and your understanding of the field of Industrial-Organisational Psychology.

Too often, when asked about my field of interest and responding "psychology", is it assumed I'm referring to Clinical Psychology.

Reflections and 'wow' moments throughout my graduate studies experience will be documented on this blog.

I welcome feedback and hope the information I gain exposure to will successfully enhance your understanding of another applied Psychology, as it sure will mine.

~SoftRock