A Critical-Reflective Evaluation Of The Usefulness Of The Motivational Styles Questionnaire

Abstract

Psychological testing has always been controversial in psychology, particularly as the results from these tests can change a career path or otherwise alter a person's life course (Gregory, 2000). As a result a large amount of responsibility is placed on the part of the users, as well as the developers and publishers of psychometric tests. For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate these instruments methodically in order to determine whether they actually serve the purpose for which they are used.The functionalist perspective explicitly maintains that a test validator has an obligation to determine whether a practice has constructive consequences for individuals and institutions, and especially to safeguard against adverse outcomes (Messick, 1980). It is evident then that there needs to be clear evidence for the usefulness of a psychological test for particular applications. The onus for this resides within the scientific community and those who use psychological tests as a basis for making important decisions about people and their behaviour. Gregory (2000, p. 115) openly states that "Psychological assessment is not a neutral endeavour, it is an applied science that occurs in a social and political context". Hence an ethical obligation exists to ensure that these tests are not only appropriate, but also that they are being used appropriately with due consideration for test takers.The Motivational Styles Questionnaire (MSQ) is a partiallyipsative and partially-normative questionnaire. It is a relatively new personality measure developed by Roland Tarleton (1997) and previously distributed by The Psychological Corporation, which is recognised as one of the oldest test distributors in the world. The more recent distributors, Get Feedback, state in electronic format, that the MSQ "conforms to British Psychological Society and American Psychological Association guidelines on personality test construction and use" (http://www. getfeedback.co.uk). Although The Psychological Corporation no longer distributes the MSQ, it serves the needs of those existing clients who have purchased the instrument in the past.The MSQ aims to assess the fundamental dimensions of behaviour "beyond those aspects covered by personality measures and ability tests" (Tarleton, MSQ manual, 1997, p. 1). According to the promotional claims of the test, it is typically used for placing new recruits; identifying high-flyer potential; relocating staff after a restructuring; distinguishing between good and bad performers; choosing between equally competent individuals in a selection situation; understanding the reasons why employees are not performing as expected; analysing team interaction issues from a motivational perspective; adding the motivational element to succession planning; gaining the commitment of talented individuals and retaining highly valued staff (www. innovact.co.za). According to the manual, the MSQ aims to define the kind of working environment in which motivators are going to work through recognising the importance of "being ...