Final answer:
The most aligned areas of study for employee selection, training, and motivation with industrial-organizational psychology are psychological tests, learning theory concepts, and the study of human behavior. These include job analysis, performance evaluation, and understanding organizational culture and dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three areas of study that are typically utilized for employee selection, training, and motivation are: 1) psychological tests, learning theory concepts, and study of human behavior, 2) employee performance evaluation, job analysis, and organizational culture, 3) salary negotiation, conflict resolution, and team building, and 4) time management, decision making, and leadership skills. However, the most aligned with the principles of industrial-organizational psychology would be the first option.
Industrial psychology focuses on job characteristics, applicant characteristics, and the methods for assessing a fit for the job, which involves job analysis, applicant testing, and interviews. In practice, this field involves designing procedures for new employee orientation and ongoing employee training, as well as developing performance appraisal systems - all integral to the employee selection process.
Organizational psychology studies the social dynamics within a workplace, including job satisfaction, the impact of management and leadership styles on productivity, and organizational culture, which certainly informs the processes of selection, training, and motivation. Furthermore, this area of psychology looks at organizational culture and policies that affect productivity, including the prevention of workplace harassment and discrimination.
A subset of I-O psychology, human factors psychology, complements these by optimizing the interaction between workers and their work environments, focussing on aspects like ergonomics, safety, and the usability of work tools, which are important for selection and training, ensuring that employees can perform optimally and safely.