Increasing Human Efficiency in Business, a Contribution to the Psychology of Business

Walter Dill Scott (1869-1955) was one of the first applied psychologists. He applied psychology to various business practices such as personnel selection and advertising. In 1900, he was appointed instructor of psychology and education and director of the psychological laboratory at Northwestern University. In 1905, Dr. Scott was made professor of psychology and head of the department of psychology. In 1909, he was appointed professor of advertising in the School of Commerce at Northwestern University and in 1912, professor of applied psychology in the School of Commerce. In 1917, he approached the army, offering to help them by applying psychological principles to personnel selection. During 1919-1920, he was president of the American Psychological Association. His works include: The Theory of Advertising (1903), The Psychology of Public Speaking (1907), Increasing Human Efficiency in Business: A Contribution to the Psychology of Business (1914) and Aids in Selecting Salesmen (1916).