Review of Industrial psychology

Abstract

Reviews the book, "Industrial psychology," by T. W. Harrel (1949). The objectives of this book are clearly indicated in the author's preface when he states that today's industrial psychology has as its primary function the analysis of human relations in industry rather than the use of tests. One has a feeling while reading the first third of the text, however, that the author has not been entirely willing to give himself over to this "new" approach, for he discusses at some length the kinds of tests and their uses. Unfortunately the "uses" sections are often too brief to be really instructive. In several instances the author seems hesitant about recommending validated methods and says "this could be used"; "this might be used," The reviewer feels that users of industrial psychology's methods are ready for more positive suggestions. In the chapter on psychological aspects of labor relations the author fulfills his objective in a most adequate fashion and gives other textbook writers in industrial psychology cause for revising their presentations to make the material more applicable to the real analysis of human relations in industry. It turns attention from the tools of the psychologist to the service he has to offer in the field of industrial problems. This change in perspective is in itself a strong recommendation for the book. No teacher or consultant in industrial psychology can afford to overlook this important point of view. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)