Cyril J. Sadowski’s research while affiliated with Auburn University at Montgomery and other places

Based upon Friedman and Rosenman’s (1977) characterization of the Type A individual, it was predicted that Type As would show higher levels of impact (as opposed to process) achievement motivation than would Type Bs. The modified Jenkins Activity Survey and the Success Behaviors Questionnaire were administered to 352 undergraduate college students to measure Type A/B characteristics and process versus impact achievement orientation, respectively. The results were generally supportive of this prediction.

Recent years have witnessed increasing concern on the part of the psychological community regarding the effects of research practices on subjects. Although considerable research has been directed at the impact of debriefing on eliminating harmful effects, little attention has been given to factors that influence subjects’ perceptions of the conduct of research. Subjects (n = 406) in the present study read descriptions of six actual experiments which involved deception and stress. Subject status (volunteer vs. nonvolunteer) and scientific value of the research (widespread vs. limited use of results) dimensions were manipulated. Subjects rated each described experiment as ethical or nonethical. Analyses of these ratings indicated that potential subjects had a significant concern over the scientific value of the research, especially in cases where stress or discomfort were involved. Experimenters interested in fostering positive attitudes toward the conduct of research would be wise to take this factor into consideration in dealing with subjects.