Abstract
We developed and investigated the causal validity of a picture set specifically designed to assess the implicit autonomy motive (nAutonomy). Studies 1a and 1b describe the empirical selection of a new picture set for the Operant Motive Test. Three further studies examined the causal validity of these pictures. A total of 387 participants (aged 18–79 years) watched film clips with autonomy-relevant or neutral cues (Study 2), completed an online (Study 3a) or laboratory experiment with a baseline measurement (Study 3b) that aroused nAutonomy using the symbolic self-completion paradigm. Using the new pictures, participants who watched a film clip with high nAutonomy cues had higher nAutonomy scores than participants who watched a neutral tutorial film. Furthermore, participants who felt they could not personally express themselves while writing an essay in an online setting had higher nAutonomy scores than participants who felt they could. Finally, interrupting participants while writing an essay resulted in higher nAutonomy scores as compared to baseline. Participants who completed a personal essay had lower nAutonomy scores as compared to baseline, which indicates a satisfied motive. Our results support the causal validity of the new OMT pictures that assess nAutonomy and have wide-ranging implications for future research on nAutonomy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
