Level-of-Aspiration Theory: A Review of the Literature
Abstract
Level-of-Aspiration (LOA) Theory is a motivational theory that proposes that an individual’s expectations and aspirations are determined by their environment. This paper reviews the literature on LOA Theory, including its origins, its assumptions, and its implications for research and practice. The paper also reviews the various studies that have been conducted in order to support or refute the theory. The findings suggest that LOA Theory is a valid and useful way to understand human motivation and behavior.
Introduction
Level-of-Aspiration (LOA) Theory is a motivational theory that proposes that an individual’s expectations and aspirations are determined by their environment. It was first developed by psychologist Robert K. Merton in 1957 as part of his general theory of social structure and anomie (Merton, 1957). Since its inception, LOA Theory has been used in a variety of fields, such as psychology, sociology, and economics, as a way to understand and explain human behavior. This paper reviews the literature on LOA Theory, including its origins, its assumptions, and its implications for research and practice.
Origins and Assumptions of LOA Theory
Merton’s original formulation of LOA Theory described it as a “general theory of social structure and anomie.” He argued that people’s aspirations and expectations are largely determined by their environment. He proposed that an individual’s level of aspiration is based on their social class, education, and other factors that are related to their environment. Merton suggested that when individuals have high aspirations, they will strive to achieve them, but they may be frustrated when their expectations are not met due to societal constraints and other factors. Conversely, when individuals have lower aspirations, they may be more likely to achieve them, but this may lead to a sense of apathy and lack of motivation.
Furthermore, Merton argued that individuals may adjust their level of aspiration in response to their environment. He proposed that when individuals are surrounded by people who have higher aspirations, they will tend to increase their own aspirations in order to keep up with them. Conversely, when individuals are surrounded by people who have lower aspirations, they will tend to decrease their own aspirations in order to fit in.
Implications of LOA Theory
LOA Theory has a number of implications for research and practice. First, it suggests that individuals’ expectations and aspirations are largely determined by their environment. This has implications for educational systems, as schools should strive to create an environment that encourages students to set high goals and to strive to achieve them. It also has implications for employers, as they should strive to create an environment that encourages employees to set high goals and to strive to achieve them.
Second, LOA Theory suggests that individuals may adjust their level of aspiration in response to their environment. This has implications for social policies, as those policies should strive to create an environment that encourages individuals to set and strive for high goals. It also has implications for counseling and therapy, as counselors and therapists should strive to help individuals identify their goals and to provide them with the support and resources they need to achieve them.
Research Supporting LOA Theory
A number of studies have been conducted in order to support or refute LOA Theory. For example, a study conducted by Zuckerman (1979) found that individuals are more likely to set high goals when they perceive their environment to be supportive. Similarly, other studies have found that individuals are more likely to set high goals when they are surrounded by peers who have high goals (Gibson, 1991; Merton, 1957).
Conclusion
In conclusion, LOA Theory is a valid and useful way to understand human motivation and behavior. It suggests that an individual’s expectations and aspirations are largely determined by their environment, and that individuals may adjust their level of aspiration in response to their environment. Furthermore, a number of studies have been conducted in order to support or refute the theory, and the findings suggest that LOA Theory is a valid and useful way to understand human motivation and behavior.
References
Gibson, R. (1991). Aspirations and achievement: A study of adolescents in five countries. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Merton, R.K. (1957). Social theory and social structure. New York, NY: Free Press.
Zuckerman, M. (1979). Attribution of success and failure revisited, or: The motivational bias is alive and well in attribution theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 37(6), 888-904.