This activity is an adaptation of an activity used in early research on the need for achievement. You can do this activity as a class or pick a handful of participants. The activity involves trying to maximize the participants’ points in a series of five tosses. The original activity involved tossing rings onto small posts, but this can work by tossing quarters or small balls into three cans or small containers. Position the first can three feet from the tossing line; the second, six feet; and the third, nine feet. Landing an object in the first can is worth 1 point, the second can is worth 2 points and the third is worth 3 points. The intention is that the first can is an easy goal, the second a moderately difficult goal, and the third is a goal that is not easily achieved. Adjust the cans to ensure these levels of difficulty. The object is for participants to maximize their points to win the overall award of the best score.
1. How do the choices participants make demonstrate different levels of need for achievement?
2. Primarily aiming at the second demonstrates the highest need for achievement because it is an achievable option for earning a high amount of points, whereas aiming at the first is too easy and not likely to win, and aiming at the third is too difficult and not likely to win. Why might this activity not be accurate assessment of the need for achievement?
3. What other factors might explain the choices participants made?