Machiavellianism as a Strategy of Power Attainment in College Freshmen, Upperclassmen, and Graduate Students in Psychology

Abstract

Winter in 1973 suggested that among several career groups, psychologists have a tendency to be high in the need for power ( n Power). Machiavellianism, typically a strategy of manipulation, results in attainment of power or control over interpersonal situations. The present study investigated Machiavellianism as a means of power attainment in college students. The Mach V Scale was administered in a group format to the following: (a) college freshmen, (b) upperclass psychology majors, and (c) graduate students in psychology. Analysis indicated significantly different scores between groups as freshmen scored significantly lower than did upperclass or graduate students.