In 1903, Walter Dill Scott published two landmark books, 'The Theory of Advertising' and 'Psychology of Advertising.' These publications are recognized as the first to formally describe how psychology could be utilized in a business context.

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A student of Wilhelm Wundt, Walter Dill Scott was a pioneering psychologist who first applied psychological principles to business. He authored foundational books on advertising and business efficiency. During World War I, he collaborated with Walter Bingham to develop selection methods for army officers. His work in applied research also included a role at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, where he studied employee selection.

Walter Dill Scott

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Scott's Early Publications on Psychology in Business

Walter Dill Scott further developed his ideas on applied psychology with the publication of two more books in 1911: 'Influencing Men in Business' and 'Increasing Human Efficiency in Business.'

Scott's Later Publications on Business Efficiency

In 1916, Walter Dill Scott's expertise in applied psychology led to his hiring by a newly established division within the Carnegie Institute of Technology, where his primary role was to conduct research on employee selection.

Scott's Research at Carnegie Institute of Technology

In support of the World War I effort, a group organized by Walter Dill Scott and Walter Bingham under the Adjutant General’s Office (AGO) developed methods for selecting military officers. They created a comprehensive system that included a catalogue of occupational needs, a job-description system, performance ratings, and occupational skill tests.

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