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Chapter 10: Problem 7

In research on the need for achievement, individual differences are usually measured: A. by observing subjects' actual behavior in competitive situations. B. by interviewing subjects about their achievement needs. C. with the Thematic Apperception Test. D. with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is typically used in research to measure individual differences in the need for achievement.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

To begin this exercise, it's essential to understand the concept of the need for achievement in psychological research. The need for achievement, as described by David McClelland, is an individual's drive or desire to accomplish goals and excel in competitive situations. The focus of this exercise is to identify which measurement method is typically applied.
02

Option A: Observing subjects in competitive situations

This method involves watching how individuals behave and perform in actual competitive situations. While this can provide valuable information about an individual's need for achievement, it may not be the most commonly used method in research. Observing subjects in competitive situations can be difficult and time-consuming, and it might not provide a comprehensive understanding of a person's achievement needs.
03

Option B: Interviewing subjects about their achievement needs

This method involves asking subjects questions about their personal needs, goals, and motivations when it comes to achievement. It allows the researcher to gain insights into a person's past experiences, thoughts, and feelings related to achievement. However, this method relies on the subject's self-report, which can be influenced by response bias or issues with recall.
04

Option C: Using the Thematic Apperception Test

The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective psychological test developed by Henry Murray and Christiana D. Morgan in the 1930s. It assesses a person's patterns of thought, attitudes, and emotional responses towards ambiguous situations through the analysis of stories they create when presented with ambiguous pictures. In research measuring individual differences in the need for achievement, the TAT is a widely used instrument. It involves the use of coding systems to analyze the stories, determining the presence and intensity of themes related to the need for achievement.
05

Option D: Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a widely used self-report personality test that assesses psychological disorders and various personality traits. Although it's a comprehensive assessment tool, the MMPI's primary purpose is not solely centered on measuring individual differences in the need for achievement.
06

Conclusion

After considering each of the given options, the correct answer is option C: using the Thematic Apperception Test. In research on the need for achievement, the TAT is typically used to measure individual differences. This method allows researchers to access a participant's unconscious needs and desires related to achievement through their responses to ambiguous stimuli, providing valuable insights into their need for achievement.

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