Graduation Semester and Year

2008

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Mark Frame

Abstract

Although many organizations use in-basket simulations as a means of selection and development, empirical guidance regarding the design of in-baskets is lacking. This study sought to fill that gap by examining the relationships between workload, stress, and performance using an in-basket simulation. Workload was manipulated by creating three variations of a task, differing only in quantity of issues to be addressed, to see how people perform under conditions that represent too much work, a moderate amount of work, and not enough work. Salivary cortisol samples were examined to investigate participants' stress levels throughout the simulation. Results revealed that performance was significantly higher and perceived stress was significantly lower for the underload group, compared to the other two groups.

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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