Need achievement theory Flashcards
P-
personality traits - high achiever and low achiever
High achiever
High motivation to achieve success, low motivation to avoid failure (nAch)
Low achiever
high motivation to avoid failure, low motivation to achieve success (naF)
Situation factors
Describe how likely we are to be successful in a situation based upon the probability of success and the incentive value of success
Resultant tendencies
Tendencies to favour different types of opponents
High achievers preferred opponents
Like opponents with a close skill level 50/50 chance of winning. They like the challenge
Low achievers preferred opponents
Like much higher or lower ranked opponents. This way they have a greater certainty of success and failure. This is an ego-protective strategy- unlikely to experience shame. The worst case scenario for a low achiever is 50/50 as it offers maximum uncertainty and the greatest possibility of demonstrating lack of competence
Low achievers
Like much higher or lower ranked opponents. This way they have a greater certainty of success and failure. This is an ego-protective strategy- unlikely to experience shame. The worst case scenario for a low achiever is 50/50 as it offers maximum uncertainty and the greatest possibility of demonstrating lack of competence
emotional reactions
Pride and shame. High achievers want to focus on maximising pride. Low achievers focus on minimising shame
Achievement behaviour
How an individual behaves in competitive situations
High achiever (need to achieve - nAch)
Challenging tasks - not too easy, not too hard, will take a risk
Likes performance to be evaluated
Approach behaviours
High task persistence
Complete tasks quickly
Take personal responsibility
Welcomes feedback
Attribute to internal factors
Aren’t afraid of failure
Conceal avoidance behaviours
Low achievers (need to avoid failure- naF)
Difficult or easy tasks where success or failure are certain, avoid risk
Dislike being evaluated
Avoidance behaviours
Give up easily
Take time on tasks
Avoids personal responsibility
Do not want knowledge of results/performance/feedback
Attribute to external factors
Are afraid of failure
