Dyadic Influence in an “ESP Study” and TAT Measures of the Needs for Influence and Power

Summary

Ss “received ESP impressions” of the five standard ESP card symbols, for 100 trials. They were then randomly paired with same-sex Ss and asked to reach agreement on whatever disagreements existed on the first 50 trials. All Ss had previously taken a modified TAT, scored for the needs for Influence (n Influence) and Power (n Power). Ss with high n Influence prevailed significantly more often on the first disagreement, on disagreements during the first 25 trials, and over all 50 trials. N Power correlated only slightly with losses during the first 25 trials. Results were consistent with viewing n Influence as an interpersonal competence motive. N Power was apparently not engaged by the dyadic situation and its rewards.