Citation

Dunlap JW. J. Appl. Psychol. 1947; 31(6): 565-579.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1947, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/h0063030

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Industrial psychology has been predominantly a selection psychology attempting to select men to fit equipment. As part of its interests the new branch of industrial psychology, referred to as bio-mechanics or human engineering or bio-technology, studies ways of adapting equipment to suit the operator. Most engineers find themselves in administrative positions where they direct and control men, yet little is done by this group to study employee relations with a scientific, experimental approach. Psychology, then, needs to become a part of the curriculum of the engineer, the importance of which is emphasized by the growing demand for psychologists trained in human-engineering techniques evidenced in the aircraft, transportation, radio-manufacturing, and building industries; in other manufacturing enterprises, and even farming. It is difficult to determine where bio-mechanics ends and other aspects of industrial psychology begin. However, in the broadest sense, the problems involved in both cases are concerned with the development of a more productive society, and the range of interests and needs in "human engineering" is very wide.

Language: en