The Multi-Motive Grid (MMG) is a new instrument to measure implicit motives (Sokolowski,
Schmalt, Langens & Puca, 2000). Schmalt (Schmalt, 1976) has developed the Grid-technique
in order to combine the advantages of self-reports and projective tests (e.g. the TAT). Schmalt
(1999) labeled these instruments “semi-projective”. Early semi-projective tests have measured
all three implicit motives separately which made it necessary to use three different tests in
order to assess all implicit motives. The MMG is an advancement of these single instruments
and measures all three big implicit motives with their two components at once.
In difference to the TAT subjects do not have to write down a story but have to tick
statements which are listed underneath each picture. Subjects have to decide whether
statements fit to the depicted picture or not. The decision whether a motive-relevant statement
fits to the picture or not, should be influenced by the implicit motives of the subject. Thus
comparable to the TAT, it is expected that the pictures activate the implicit motive and one
can conclude from the interpretation of the pictures on the implicit motives of the subject.
Also comparable to the TAT, subjects are confronted with ambigious pictures which often can
be interpreted in an achievement-thematic, power-thematic and affliation-thematic way. In
each statement, the subject have to decide whether the statement fits to the picture or not,
although only the Yes-responses are considered in the calculation of the motive scores. The
statements are considered to assess all three big implicit motives with both the Fearcomponent
and the Hope-Component. Although the pictures can be interpreted in different
ways, some pictures stimulate one motive more than the other. There are two pictures for each
component which stimulate all three motives (polythematic), two pictures for each component
which stimulate only two of the three motives (bithematic) and two pictures for each
component which assess only one motive (monothematic). The MMG thus consists 14
pictures. The motive content of the pictures were ascertained by informing subjects about
implicit motives and explicitly asking them (N=41) to rate the pictures on all three motives.
Afterwards the mean of ratings for all pictures was calculated (Schmalt et. al, 1994).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Empirical Analysis of the MMG
2.1 Objectivity
2.2 Reliability
2.2.1 Retest Reliability
2.2.2 Internal Consistency
2.3 Distortedness of the MMG
2.4 Construct Validity
2.4.1 Intercorrelations of the Motive-components
2.4.2 Factorial Validity
2.4.3 Convergent and Divergent Validity
2.5 Criterion Validity
3. Discussion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper aims to evaluate the Multi-Motive Grid (MMG) as a semi-projective instrument for measuring implicit motives, specifically analyzing its psychometric properties and applicability within organizational and personnel development contexts.
- Psychometric validation of the MMG (reliability and validity) according to Classical Test Theory.
- Distinction between implicit and explicit motives and their measurement approaches.
- Application of the MMG in leadership research and organizational performance.
- Impact of motive-incongruent goals on volitional depletion and well-being.
- Predictive power of implicit motives regarding interpersonal and vocational success.
Excerpt from the Book
Construct Validity
The intercorrelations between the hope and fear-components are small and negligible which underpins that the two motivational tendencies are separately measured. The correlations among the hope and fear components are of medium height. This shows that the hope and fear motives share a certain amount of common variance, independently from the thematic field (affliation, achievement, power) which has also been theorized (Snyder et. al, 1991; Snyder et. al, 1996).
In order to assess factorial validity, explorative and confirmatory validity studies have been conducted. In the next sections, I will briefly describe the empirical findings regarding the factorial structure of the MMG.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the theoretical background of the Multi-Motive Grid (MMG) as an advancement of earlier semi-projective instruments designed to assess implicit motives efficiently.
Empirical Analysis of the MMG: Evaluates the instrument's performance regarding objectivity, reliability, resistance to distortion, construct validity, and predictive criterion validity.
Discussion: Synthesizes findings on the MMG’s utility in applied organizational settings, emphasizing its relevance for personnel selection, leadership development, and the management of motive-incongruent goals.
Keywords
Multi-Motive Grid, MMG, Implicit Motives, Classical Test Theory, Reliability, Construct Validity, Criterion Validity, Personnel Selection, Leadership Motive Pattern, Volitional Competence, Motivation, Power Motive, Achievement Motive, Affiliation Motive, Psychometrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the work?
The paper evaluates the quality criteria and empirical performance of the Multi-Motive Grid (MMG) as a tool for assessing implicit motives.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The work covers psychometric test evaluation, the differentiation between implicit and explicit motives, and the practical application of these measurements in organizational psychology.
What is the core research question or objective?
The objective is to determine whether the MMG meets the standards of the Classical Test Theory and how it functions as a diagnostic tool in applied professional settings.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author performs an analytical review of empirical studies, focusing on statistical indicators like Cronbach's Alpha, retest reliability, and confirmatory factor analysis results.
What does the main body focus on?
The main body systematically reviews objectivity, reliability, distortedness, construct validity, and criterion validity, followed by a discussion on leadership and volitional depletion.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include implicit motives, MMG, psychometric validity, leadership motive pattern, and personnel development.
How does the MMG handle social desirability?
The MMG demonstrates robustness against social desirability bias, as research shows no significant correlations between motive scores and scores on the Crowne-Marlowe Scale.
Why is the MMG relevant for leadership research?
It helps identify the "leadership motive pattern," which is characterized by a specific combination of power, achievement, and affiliation motives linked to successful management careers.
What is the significance of the "IED" concept mentioned?
IED refers to the discrepancy between implicit and explicit motives, which can lead to volitional depletion and decreased subjective well-being when individuals pursue goals that do not align with their implicit drives.
- Citar trabajo
- Amir Ghoniem (Autor), 2011, Assessing Implicit Motives using the Multi-Motive Grid, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/210664
