A psychologist focusing on which area would study the skills of effective leaders?

A psychologist focusing on organizational psychology would study the skills of effective leaders because this field examines human behavior in professional settings. Organizational psychology looks at how individuals operate within group dynamics, the structure of organizations, and the role of leadership in guiding teams and fostering effective workplace environments. This involves understanding the traits and behaviors of effective leaders, the impact of their leadership style on team performance, and how organizational culture influences these dynamics.

In contrast, developmental psychology is primarily concerned with how individuals grow and change over their lifespan, which does not directly focus on leadership skills. Social psychology looks at how individuals influence and are influenced by social groups, but it is more about interpersonal relationships and group behavior than leadership in a business context. Cognitive psychology deals with mental processes such as thinking, memory, and decision-making, which may play a role in leadership but does not specifically address leadership skills in an organizational setting. Thus, organizational psychology is the most relevant field for studying the skills of effective leaders.