Question

Accounting and Machiavellianism. Behavioral Research in Accounting (January 2008) published a study of Machiavellian traits in accountants. Machiavellian describes negative character traits that include manipulation, cunning, duplicity deception, and bad faith. A questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 700 accounting alumni of a large southwestern university, however, due to nonresponse and incomplete answers, only 198 questionnaires could be analyzed. Several variables were measured, including age, gender, level of education, income, job satisfaction score, and Machiavellian (Mach) rating score. The research findings suggest that Machiavellian behavior is not required to achieve success in the accounting profession. a. What is the population of interest to the researcher?

Answer 1

The researcher is interested in the accounting alumni of a large southwestern university. Only 198 complete questionnaires were analyzed to study the Machiavellian traits among accountants, with findings suggesting such traits are not essential for success in accounting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The population of interest to the researcher in the study described would be all accounting alumni of the large southwestern university, since the questionnaire was initially sent to a random sample of 700 of these alumni. However, the study outcomes are based only on the 198 respondents whose questionnaires were complete and returnable. The implications of the research suggest that traits of Machiavellianism, which encompass behaviors such as manipulation and deceit, are not necessary for success in the accounting profession. These findings contribute to the broader fields of behavioral economics and personality psychology by examining the impact of traits on professional outcomes.

Answer 2

The population of interest to the researcher in the study on Machiavellian traits in accountants is the accounting alumni of a large southwestern university.

Step-by-step explanation:

The population of interest to the researcher in the study on Machiavellian traits in accountants is the accounting alumni of a large southwestern university. The study administered a questionnaire to a random sample of 700 accounting alumni, but due to nonresponse and incomplete answers, only 198 questionnaires could be analyzed. The study aimed to understand the presence of Machiavellian behavior in accountants and its relationship to success in the accounting profession.