Prepare for trouble and make it double: The power motive predicts pokemon choices based on apparent strength

Abstract

Two social motives are distinguished by Motive Disposition Theory: afliation and power. Motives orient, select and energize our behaviour, suggesting that the choices of power-motivated individuals should be guided by power cues, such as the appearance of strength in a game character or avatar. In study 1 we demonstrate that participants were more likely to pick strong-looking Pokemon for a fght and cute Pokemon as a companion. In addition, we show that even when considering these contexts, the power motive predicts preferences for a powerful appearance, whereas afliation does not. In study 2 we replicate the study 1 fndings and distinguish between two ways to enact the power motive (prosocial and dominant power). We demonstrate that the dominance, but not the prosociality, facet drives the preference for strong-looking Pokemon. Our fndings suggest that the need to infuence others- the power motive-drives the choice for battle companions who symbolize strength.