The Reiss Motivation Profile®
A comprehensive, scientific measure of intrinsic motivation.
Scientific
Results are backed by research & science.
Individual
Results are unique and whole-of-self.
Comparable
Results can be meaningfully compared.
Predictive
Results can reliably predict behaviours.
Applicable
Results can be applied across all aspects of life.
Developed empirically, the Reiss Motivation Profile® (RMP) is a normative test that has passed stringent peer reviews for publication in scientific journals, and been endorsed by multiple independent researchers for its validity and reliability.
The Science of Motivation®
Ground-breaking, modern research
Professor Steven Reiss used a worldwide exploratory research method over several years to identify the 16 basic desires, that are common to everyone and deeply rooted in human nature.
How did he do it?
He identified a comprehensive list of 500 items that would be considered common goals. After reducing this to 328 items by way of redundancies, each item was transformed into a statement to measure intensity of motivation; how much the item mattered to the individual.
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Factor analysis was used across a series of four studies, each with different samples (totalling 2,554 people, aged 12-76 and from all walks of life), to derive the final list of the 16 basic desires.
Following this break-through research, Professor Steven Reiss developed The Reiss Motivation Profile®; the world’s only comprehensive, standardised measure of intrinsic motivation.
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It's a normative test that produces stable and consistent results (reliability) and has been endorsed and peer-reviewed against concurrent and criterion validity. It is a powerful tool, proven in its application.
The 16 Basic Desires
Characteristics of a Basic Desire
There's no doubt some rigorous analysis was used to identify the 16 Basic Desires. As part of qualifying the final list, each desire was assessed against the following criteria.
Universal
Goal
A goal that is common to everyone and deeply rooted in human nature.
Intrinsic
Motivation
People pursue the basic desires for no reason other than its what they want.
Life
Motive
A basic desire is temporarily fulfilled. Satisfying a desire requires repetitive action throughout our lives.
Core
Value
A basic desire has influence over or contributes to the shaping of our core values.
Psychological Significance
A motive must have psychological significance to be considered a basic desire.
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The 16 Basic Desires
The Reiss Motivation Profile® generates a unique, scientific view of an individual through the prioritisation of these 16 basic desires.
Acceptance
the desire for positive self regard
Beauty
the desire for aesthetically pleasing experiences
Curiosity
the desire for understanding
Eating
the desire to consume food
Family
the desire to raise children & spend time with siblings
Honour
the desire for upright character
Idealism
the desire for social justice
Independence
the desire for self-reliance
Order
the desire for structure & stability
Physical Activity
the desire for muscle exercise
Power
the desire for influence of will
Saving
the desire to collect things
Social Contact
the desire for companionship with peers
Status
the desire for respect based on social standing
Tranquillity
the desire to avoid pain and anxiety
Vengeance
the desire to confront those who offend us
Behind the Reiss Motivation Profile®
Professor Steven Reiss Ph.D
Educated at Dartmouth College, Yale and Harvard Universities, and Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at Ohio State University, Steven Reiss' contributions to psychology were extensive.
Along with the The Science of Motivation® and The Reiss Motivation Profile®, Professor Reiss created two other widely-used psychological measures, authored five books, and published seventeen articles in prestigious scientific journals.
Reiss Motivation Australia are honoured to bring The Science of Motivation® and The Reiss Motivation Profile® to our part of the globe.
