Cyndi is an individual who has a high need for achievement. She is trying to decide which one of four possible courses she should take as her final elective course for her degree. One of the courses is supposed to be an easy course, with an "A" practically guaranteed for very little effort; one course is supposed to be moderately difficult, but with effort an "A" is possible; one course is supposed to be a "killer" course with little chance of earning a grade higher than a "B"; the fourth course is a seminar-style course with no grades assigned. You should expect that Cyndi will choose
A) the course that has no assigned grades.
B) the moderately difficult course that requires effort for a high grade.
C) the easy course which practically guarantees a high grade.
D) the "killer" course to maximize her level of task difficulty.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cyndi, being high in the need for achievement, would not choose the easy course as it would not satisfy her need for challenging herself. Similarly, she would not choose the "killer" course as it would make it difficult for her to achieve a high grade, which would not satisfy her need for achievement. The seminar-style course may not appeal to her as there are no grades, which are a means for her to measure her success. Thus, she would choose the moderately difficult course, as it would offer her the challenge she seeks, but with the potential for a high grade if she puts in effort.

Cyndi Is an Individual Who Has a High Need for Achievement