Final answer:
The correct answer is (A) worker-oriented approach; task-oriented approach. O*NET is worker-oriented, providing details about the worker's KSAs needed for jobs, while PAQ is task-oriented, focused on various job tasks and their characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The O*NET is an example of a worker-oriented approach, while the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) is an example of a task-oriented approach. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) worker-oriented approach; task-oriented approach. These two approaches to job analysis are utilized by I-O psychologists and HR professionals to create comprehensive job descriptions and identify the necessary KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) for various positions. The O*NET database, maintained by the United States Department of Labor, provides a rich repository of information about jobs including KSAs, work activities, and education requirements among other details. The PAQ, on the other hand, is a structured job analysis questionnaire that focuses more on the specific tasks and activities associated with a job, along with their frequencies, difficulties, and importances.
Understanding the difference between these two methods is essential for those in the field of industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management. The worker-oriented approach tends to focus on the attributes of the individual necessary to perform the job successfully, whereas the task-oriented approach breaks down the job into its constituent tasks and measures them individually. This distinction guides professionals in selecting the right approach for their job analysis needs.