[Review of the book Adjustment and Mastery

Abstract

Reviews the book, Adjustment and Mastery by Robert L. Woodworth (1933). In this small volume Professor Woodworth considers the major divisions of psychology in their relation to adjustment to and mastery of life situations. Sensation and perception are largely adjustment; learning is largely mastery. Adjustment and mastery are largely to be achieved through teamwork. The author says, "Good teamwork is the highest form of human activity. The great artist or scientist, though he be a lone worker, actually keeps in touch more or less directly with the work of his fellows. His work ties in with theirs. Group activity, integrating the acts of individuals towards a common goal, is not only the most productive type of human endeavor, but the most satisfying to the individual. To make the world a better place for the individual, then, we have to improve the organization of group activity. We have to take account of the motives and desires that are common to men, and also the differing abilities of men, and so organize our social activities, in work and play, as to provide for each individual an outlet for his energies." This goal, the author believes, is a distant one, but one that must be reached if we are to receive more than a dubious benefit from the progress of the physical sciences; if we are to make "progress" good for us. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)