Integrating Technology Into Models of Response Behavior

Morelli, Potosky, Arthur, and Tippins (2017) are correct in calling for more conceptual models explicitly linking technology to industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology. As these authors note, in the absence of models and theories of technology to guide the research and practice of I-O psychology, the field runs the risk of chasing the impacts of specific technological innovations and devices rather than guiding organizations on best practices regarding the use of technology. Building theories and models that directly involve technology and placing them within individual psychological and larger organizational processes provides researchers with a way to stay ahead of the fast pace of technological innovation and anticipate its effects on measurement and prediction. Moreover, there are aspects to the use of technology that I-O psychologists are uniquely qualified to consider, including legal considerations (e.g., accessibility concerns), ethical questions (e.g., access in disadvantaged communities), practical concerns (e.g., user and target reactions), and measurement issues (e.g., construct irrelevant variance). In this commentary, we present two main points of consideration that demonstrate how I-O psychologists might use and create technology to improve assessment. First, we argue that technology can improve the measurement of psychological variables if we critically consider how technology can positively influence various parts of response behavior. Additionally, we encourage future research to consider the effects of technology in I-O psychology more comprehensively by extending the emphasis on psychological processes beyond cognition and behavior to include affect and motivation.