The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Behavior change through training
Author:	Messerschmidt, Robert Walter
View Online:	njit-etd1960-002 ([8], 74 pages ~ 3.7 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Mechanical Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Mechanical Engineering
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Rich, Joseph A. (Committee chair)
Date:	1960
Keywords:	Employees--Training of Psychology, Industrial
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	This thesis represents an investigation of attitude and behavior change as a result of human relations training, The elements of heredity and environment are proffered as a basis for attitude and behavior formation. It is denoted that these elements are also instrumental in subsequent development of adult behavior. As noted in the literature, the term "individual differences" embodies the effect of virtually unique heredity and environmental conditions to which each person is exposed. These differences are also partly determined by the growth in developmental trends, which varies from individual to individual and from time to time. The existence of individual differences has been emphasized so that one might appreciate the overwhelming task that confronts any human relations instructor. With a kaleidoscopic array of individuals that might be expected in the average training program, it seems fitting to question the results that might be accrued from such training. It is the conclusion of this thesis that human relations training can effect a positive change in attitude and behavior of some individuals. There is a small group of individuals who will not change their overt behavior in spite of training, and there is another small segment who will develop in human relations techniques exclusive of training. However, the majority of the population within any selected training group can be expected to develop and change in attitude and behavior. Each individual, according to some rate of growth that in all likelihood is unlike his fellow trainees on either side of him.