Research

Overarching Research Agenda

My overarching research agenda is motivated by the following questions: How can industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology address the implications of technology-driven changes in the world of work? And is there a need for new theories and frameworks for I/O psychology to provide scientific knowledge or is there a need to modify prior theories and frameworks? Drawing primarily from engineering/computer science, human-computer inter-action/human factors, management information systems, and especially cyberpsychology I attempt address the needs I-O psychology to add to scientific knowledge base since technology-driven changes in the world of work have significantly increased.

To answer the above questions, I employ a range of methods and research designs to study higher-level phenomena and inform about technological dynamics at these higher levels through either creating or modifying existing conceptual models of technology for I/O psychology to conceptualize appropriate contributions to the study of technology in I/O psychology. The intention is to draw from prior knowledge regarding technology adoption and management from a macro perspective to benefit from the micro perspective of I/O psychology and vice versa.

Broad Research Interests

My broad interests at the intersection of light triad personality and dark triad personality manifests into two related lines of research. My first line of research investigates the role of light triad personality in leadership. Specifically, I investigate how to cultivate light triad personality in leadership to create a workplace culture that is based on humanity. In turn, I analyze dark triad personality–the dark side of leadership. This perspective informs how and why it is necessary for I/O psychology to measure dark triad personality.

Related Research Stream

In a separate but related research stream, I investigate emotional intelligence inputs and psychological safety outputs. This line of research investigates how individuals with high emotional intelligence can develop higher levels of psychological safety.

Organizational Climate of Change and the Effect of Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Years on the Job Characteristics: A Quantitative Analysis

My dissertation research investigated climates of change within business organizations. Climates of change within business organizations are the foundation for insight into the challenges that accompany changes. Business organizations’ members should possess extensive knowledge of their climates of change during organizational changes and the effect of the characteristics of gender, race/ethnicity, and years on the job to successfully implement change. The rationale for this dissertation study was to extend knowledge in psychology, including industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology because of the gap in the literature, field, and specialization concerning the effect of gender, race/ethnicity, and years on the job characteristics on climates of change. The methodology of this study was quantitative with a non-experimental design. With a sample size (N) of 57, the population and sample were United States (U.S.) white-collar business professionals, above age 18, that self-identified as male or female full- or part-time supervisory or nonsupervisory business professionals, that worked in an office or virtual environments; with at least one year of corporate experience. Conducting this study resulted through data collection with the climate of change questionnaire and demographic questionnaire with a three-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), descriptive statistics (M and SD), and hypothesis testing (Wilks’ Λ). The MANOVA results indicated no significant findings regarding an effect of gender, race/ethnicity, and years on the job characteristics on an organizational climate of change. There were no significant differences in the linear variate consisting of COH, POL, and TLE due to the main effect of either gender, race/ethnicity, or years on the job.

Publications

Whitaker, S. S. (2020). Organizational climate of change and the effect of gender, race/ethnicity, and years on the job characteristics: A quantitative analysis (Order No. 27740880). ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2385740751).

Special Issue Article Proposal

Whitaker, S. S., Afsha, G., & Zaheer, M. (2020, August). I feel relationally identified with my leader: But my work intensification is the boundary condition. Journal of Occupational Health. American Psychological Association (APA). Washington, DC.

Working Article Drafts

Whitaker, S. S. The why and how of measuring dark triad personality in I/O psychology: The dark side of leadership.

Whitaker, S. S. The interconnections of I/O psychology and technology and the psychological effects of technology at work.

Whitaker, S. S. Emotional intelligence inputs and psychological safety outputs.

Whitaker, S. S. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and its application for ground and online university students or Adopt Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for online university students.

Non-Peer Reviewed Publications

Whitaker, S. S. (2020). Organizational climate of change dimensions and the effect of gender, race/ethnicity, and years on the job characteristics: A quantitative perspective. ResearchGate. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.27937.74089

Whitaker, S. S. (2018). Motivational improvement. ResearchGate. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.11312.30726/1

Whitaker, S. S. (2017). Psychological test selection. ResearchGate. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.22479.64165

Whitaker, S. S. (2018). Professional development planning. ResearchGate. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.20330.06084/1

Whitaker, S. S. (2016). Determining person-to-job fit and person-organization fit: the relevant significance. ResearchGate. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.17190.88642/1

Whitaker, S. S. (2016). Adult learning and change theories. ResearchGate. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.12990.02887

Research Conference Presentations

Paper Presentations

Whitaker, S. S. (2020, March). Evidence of teaching effectiveness survey [Survey]. Applied Teaching Seminar – Virtual Research Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2019, June). Supporting at-risk students. Applied Teaching Seminar – Virtual Research Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2019, May).Organizational climate of change and the effect of gender, race/ethnicity, and years on the job characteristics: A quantitative analysis [Research Proposals]. 3rd Annual Psychology (PSYCH) Café – Virtual Psychology Research Conference (VPRC),Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2019, April). Providing students feedback in an online learning environment. Applied Teaching Seminar – Virtual Research Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2018, December). Ethical issues in teaching online. Applied Teaching Seminar – Virtual Research Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2018, November). Dissertation research plan. Capella University Doctoral Residency, Orlando, FL.

Whitaker, S. S. (2018, September). Ensuring quality of learning management system (LMS) in the online environment. Applied Teaching Seminar – Virtual Research Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2018, August). Research question and purpose statement. Capella University Doctoral Residency, Atlanta, GA.

Whitaker, S. S. (2018, May).Adult learning and change theories [Abstract]. 2nd Annual Psychology (PSYCH) Café –Virtual Psychology Research Conference (VPRC), Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2018, May). Ethical/Multicultural vignette and resolution [Abstract]. 2nd Annual Psychology (PSYCH) Café –Virtual Psychology Research Conference (VPRC), Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, November). Quantitative research topic. Capella University Doctoral Residency, Orlando, FL.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, April).Cognitive development [Abstract]. 1st Annual Psychology (PSYCH) Café – Virtual Psychology Research Conference (VPRC), Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, April).Do organizational members’ perceptions of diversity climate impact how and why they value organizations [Abstract]. 1st Annual Psychology (PSYCH) Café – Virtual Psychology Research Conference (VPRC), Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, March). Consultation psychology. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, January). Developing a program evaluation proposal. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2016, October). Scientific merit evaluation and justification. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2015, November). Cognitive development. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2015, September). Prescription privileges for clinical psychologists Cognitive Development. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2015, July). Psychotherapy. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2015, March). Disorders and treatments. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2015, January). Evaluation of a standardized test. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

PowerPoint Presentations

Whitaker, S. S. (2020, February).Organizational climate of change and the effect of gender, race/ethnicity, and years on the job characteristics: A quantitative analysis [PowerPoint slides]. 4th Annual Psychology (PSYCH) Café – Virtual Psychology Research Conference (VPRC), Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2019, October). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and its application for university students [PowerPoint slides]. Applied Teaching Seminar – Virtual Research Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2019, October). Multicultural Consulting Plan [PowerPoint slides]. Applied Teaching Seminar – Virtual Research Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2018, November). Dissertation research plan: Topic endorsement, research overview, research theory, research methodology, and research data [PowerPoint slides]. Capella University Doctoral Residency, Orlando, FL.

Whitaker, S. S. (2018, August). Dissertation research plan: Topic endorsement, research overview, research theory, and research methodology [PowerPoint slides]. Capella University Doctoral Residency, Atlanta, GA.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, December). The effects of sexual abuse [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, November). Quantitative research plan and scientific merit: Research topic, research problem, research problem background, theoretical foundations, and ethical considerations. [PowerPoint slides]. Capella University Doctoral Residency, Orlando, FL.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, June). Multicultural vignette [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, May). Ethics vignette and resolution [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2017, March). I/O psychology workshop [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2016, July). Memory [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2016, May). Theories in psychology [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2016, March). Personality theory [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2016, January). Women in psychology [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2015, May). Sleep deprivation, disorders, and drugs [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2015, March). Major approaches to clinical psychology [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Whitaker, S. S. (2015, January). Schizophrenia [PowerPoint slides]. Psychology (PSYCH) Café, Minneapolis, MN.

Departmental Talks

Bracken, D., C., Kuchinka, D., Mendelson, R., & Whitaker, S. S. (2022, July). “I/O Psychology Career Opportunities.”Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 12, 2022.

Bracken, D., C., Kuchinka, D., Mendelson, R., & Whitaker, S. S. (2022, July). “I/O Psychology Keys to Success in IO Psychology.”Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 13, 2022.

Dayanim, S., Kuchinka, D., & Whitaker, S. S. (2022, July). “Moving from Ideas to Topics for Dissertation.”Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 13, 2022.

Bracken, D., C., Kuchinka, D., Mendelson, R., & Whitaker, S. S. (2022, July). “I/O Psychology Online Presence and Professionalism.”Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 12, 2022.

Whitaker, S.S., Bracken, D., Kuchinka, D., Mendelson, R. (2022, July). “I/O Psychology Research Methods.”Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 14, 2022.

Bracken, D., Esterling, B., Daniels, L., Dayanim, S., Hanson, C., Kuchinka, D., Mendelson, R., & Whitaker, S. S. (2022, July). “Introduction to Psychology Program: Classes, Major Milestones, Timelines, Expectations.”

Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 14, 2022.

Esterling, B. & Whitaker, S. S. (2021, July). “Faculty Research Overview.” Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 13, 2021.

Bracken, D., Esterling, B., Mendelson, R., & Whitaker, S. S. (2021, July). “Applying Research Methods to Dissertation Topics.”Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 14, 2021.

Bracken, D., & Mendelson, R., & Whitaker, S. S. (2021, July). “Careers in I/O Psychology.” Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 14-16, 2021.

Whitaker, S. S. & Esterling, B. (2021, July). “Advanced Research Design (Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, Non-Experimental).” Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 15, 2021.

Bracken, D., & Mendelson, R., Whitaker, S. S. (2021, July). “Advanced Research Methodology—Dissecting Current Research Studies (Non-Experimental).” Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 15, 2021.

Bracken, D., Esterling, B., Hanson, C., Mendelson, R., & Whitaker, S. S. (2021, July). “Tests and Measurements for Dissertation Discussion.” Departmental Talk presented to Graduate Students of Doctoral Residency at Keiser University Flagship, West Palm Beach, FL. July 16, 2021.

Research Consultation

Dr. Whitaker serves as psychological research consultant for various organizations for the formulation of plans for quantitative and qualitative methods in research and instrument designs for systematic study and analysis to draw practical conclusions about organizational problems and interventions. He develops research questions, hypotheses, statistical data analysis plans, and research manuscripts, reports and presentations for publications and inclusion in broader research. In this work, he additionally develops mental health, psychological well-being, psychological health and safety, leadership and people assessment and development programs.

Psychometrics

Dr. Whitaker serves as a psychological subject matter expert on psychometric assessments, exams, and tests development, including leading the identification and development of new psychometric models and methodologies for diagnose. He conducts interviews, classical test theory (CTT), and item response theory (IRT) analyses, equating, fairness, validity and reliability studies, sampling plans, using pilot data in support of content design and statistical analyses. He also conducts psychometric assessment, exam, and test administration, scoring, analyses, and interpretation for data collection and recommendation guidance.

“Good measurement, no matter how elegant or wonderful, is sterile unless it is accompanied by meaningful findings. Likewise, provocative interpretations may be rendered illusionary if they cannot be firmly supported by solid methodology.”

— Marvin Dunnette