Delay of gratification, need for achievement, and acquiescence in another culture

ABSTRACT

This study using 112 Trinidadian subjects aged 11-14, tested the relationship between the preference for immediate, smaller (IMR) or delayed, larger (DelR) reinforcement in choice situations and (a) n Achievement, (b) acquiescence (yeasaying or naysinging in an ambiguous situation). The expected significant positive relationships between preference for DelR and n Achievement were found. The inverse relationship between preference for DelR and acquiescence was, as predicted, also obtained. n Achievement was inversely related to acquiescence but only as a statistically non-significant trend. Responses to a simple open-ended aspiration measure, approriate for use in other cultures, were found to significantly differentiate high and low n Achievement subjects as measured by the standard procedure, more occupational aspirations being given by n Achievement subjects. The possible usefulness of this aspiration measure as an alternative index of n Achievement in field work was suggested. Data on the interelationships between a measure of social responsibility and the other variables were also presented. The overall findings support the usefulness of relatively simple choice situations for eliciting preference for ImR as opposed to DelR in the attempt to elaborate the variables relevant to the ability to delay immediate gratification for the sake of later, larger outcomes, within the context of another culture. The present findings serve to elaborate the network of correlates of choice preferences for delayed, larger gratifications when these are opposed to smaller but immediately available rewards (Summary)