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Differences in motives between Millennial and Generation X medical students
Author(s) -
Borges Nicole J,
Manuel R Stephen,
Elam Carol L,
Jones Bonnie J
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
medical education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1365-2923
pISSN - 0308-0110
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2010.03633.x
Subject(s) - thematic apperception test , psychology , personality , need for achievement , power (physics) , social psychology , ethnic group , generation x , big five personality traits , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , sociology , anthropology , physics , quantum mechanics , baby boomers , economics , demographic economics
Medical Education 2010:44:570–576Objectives Three domains comprise the field of human assessment: ability, motive and personality. Differences in personality and cognitive abilities between generations have been documented, but differences in motive between generations have not been explored. This study explored generational differences in medical students regarding motives using the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Methods Four hundred and twenty six students (97% response rate) at one medical school (Generation X = 229, Millennials = 197) who matriculated in 1995 & 1996 (Generation X) or in 2003 & 2004 (Millennials) wrote a story after being shown two TAT picture cards. Student stories for each TAT card were scored for different aspects of motives: Achievement, Affiliation, and Power. Results A multiple analysis of variance (p < 0.05) showed significant differences between Millennials’ and Generation X‐ers’ needs for Power on both TAT cards and needs for Achievement and Affiliation on one TAT card. The main effect for gender was significant for both TAT cards regarding Achievement. No main effect for ethnicity was noted. Conclusions Differences in needs for Achievement, Affiliation and Power exist between Millennial and Generation X medical students. Generation X‐ers scored higher on the motive of Power, whereas Millennials scored higher on the motives of Achievement and Affiliation.