Career Choice and Development

(and need scales) would be large, because the number of known
reinforcers is large and growing. The situation with needs is the same
as the situation with skills, and PEC theory’s answer is the same: use
factor theory to identify a smaller number of dimensions (factors)
that can then be used to describe a large number of needs. TWA
research has identified six such dimensions, which TWA-PEC the-
ory terms values—a term chosen to underscore the fact that “impor-
tance” is the underlying dimension in the measurement of needs (in
the same way that “difficulty” is the underlying dimension in the
measurement of skills). To parallel the definition of abilities, values
are defined in PEC theory as reference dimensions for the descrip-
tion of needs.
The six values (need reference dimensions) identified in TWA
research are

1.Achievement—the importance of using one’s abilities and

having a feeling of accomplishment

2.Altruism—the importance of harmony with, and being of

service to, others

3.Autonomy—the importance of being independent and

having a sense of control

4.Comfort—the importance of feeling comfortable and not

being stressed

5.Safety—the importance of stability, order, and predictability

6.Status—the importance of recognition and being in a domi-

nant position

This list of six values is by no means exhaustive. Just as hap-
pened in the case of abilities, the list of values will grow as more
needs come under study.
As one can see from the preceding discussion, need measure-
ment as currently practiced has focused almost exclusively on P’s
reinforcer needs. P’s response needs have rarely been studied. How-

446 CAREER CHOICE AND DEVELOPMENT