Testing the motivational effects of attainable role models: Field and experimental evidence

Abstract

The motivational theory of role modeling proposes motivational processes as critical mechanisms through which attainable role models can increase role aspirants' adoption of more ambitious goals. We conducted four studies to empirically test this proposition with role aspirants and their role models in field and experimental settings (total N = 2,165). Results provide empirical support for motivational processes of role modelling. Together they demonstrate that role models increase role aspirants' subjectively perceived probability of success (i.e., expectancy) and in turn motivation and goals, but only when they are perceived as attainable. These findings reveal how vital it is to raise the visibility of role models who embody representations of the possible and call for further research to understand how role models can reinforce expectancy by changing perceptions of one's own success, particularly the aspirations of minority group members.