Developed by psychologist and University of Washington professor Allen L. Edwards, the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) is a forced choice, objective, non-projective personality inventory. The target audience in between the ages of 16-85 and takes about 45 minutes to complete. Edwards derived the test content from the human needs system theory proposed by Henry Alexander Murray, which measures the rating of individuals in fifteen normal needs or motives. The EPPS was designed to illustrate relative importance to the individual of several significant needs and motives. It is useful in counseling situations when responses are reviewed with the examinee. Murray's Theory of Psychogenic Needs Murray's system of human needs has influenced the making of personality tests for years. By incorporating his theory into personality testing, one can determine how one may act in a specific situation, as an employee, student, parent... The list goes on and on... Following is an overview on Murray's theory. American psychologist Henry Murray developed a theory of personality that was organized in terms of motives, presses, and needs. Murray described a need as a potentiality or readiness to respond in a certain way under certain given circumstances. Theories of personality based upon needs and motives suggest that our personalities are a reflection of behaviors controlled by needs. While some needs are temporary and changing, other needs are more deeply seated in our nature. According to Murray, these psychogenic needs function mostly on the unconscious level, but play a major role in our personality. The Personality Research Form and the Jackson Personality Inventory are also structured personality tests based on Murray's theory of needs but were constructed slightly differently than the EPPS in hopes of increasing validity. Test Format The 15 personality variable scales On the EPPS there are nine statements used for each scale. Social Desirability ratings have been done for each item, and the pairing of items attempts to match items of approximately equal social desirability. Fifteen pairs of items are repeated twice for the consistency scale. Achievement : A need to accomplish tasks well Deference: A need to conform to customs and defer to others Order: A need to plan well and be organized Exhibition: A need to be the center of attention in a group Autonomy: A need to be free of responsibilities and obligations Affiliation: A need to form strong friendships and attachments Intraception: A need to analyze behaviors and feelings