This book provides a history of the origins of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, focusing on the late nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries. Taking an international perspective, The Early Years of Industrial-Organizational Psychology examines the context in which the field emerged, and its origins in the measurement of individual differences. Andrew J. Vinchur covers the initial applications of psychology in advertising, the study of fatigue, and especially employee selection, as well as the role industrial psychology played in World War I and the post-war expansion of the field. He also examines the education of industrial psychologists, their efforts to establish industrial psychology as a profession, and the beginnings of the organizational side of the field.

'This book provides a compelling look at the extent of research on applied topics in the early years of the 20th century and at how it affected current theory and research. In unfolding industrial and organizational psychology, the author links the work of the applied psychologists to the major historical figures in psychology, showing that the connection between theory and application was closer than is apparent from standard histories. This book is a welcome addition to the history of applied psychology.'

B. C. Beins Source: Choice

‘This is, in one sense, a very ambitious book, aiming to provide a ‘comprehensive picture’ of the early years of what is now known as industrial-organizational (IO) psychology. It has a global scope (although the United States receives most attention) and covers roughly half a century, from the late 1800s to the 1930s … it is impressive in its offerings and scope.’

Maarten Derksen Source: Isis