Researchers often use the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) to measure people’s need for achievement. The TAT consists of a set of ambiguous pictures, such as one of a woman standing in the doorway of a room. Researchers ask subjects to make up stories about these pictures. Some subjects’ stories consistently contain themes that relate to achievement. Researchers consider these subjects to have a high need for achievement.

Personality Factors
High-achievement motivation tends to lead to particular personality features. These include persistence, ability to delay gratification, and competitiveness:

• Persistence: High achievers tend to be very persistent and work hard to attain goals they set for themselves.
• Ability to delay gratification: High achievers tend to have a greater ability to delay gratifying their impulses in the short term in order to reach long-term goals.
• Competitiveness: High achievers tend to select careers that give them opportunities to compete with other people.