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.

中文翻译：

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测试可实现的榜样的激励效果：现场和实验证据

角色建模的激励理论提出激励过程作为关键机制，通过这些机制，可实现的角色模型可以增加角色追求者对更雄心勃勃的目标的采用。我们进行了四项研究，以在现场和实验环境中使用角色追求者及其角色模型对这一命题进行实证检验（总N  = 2,165）。结果为角色建模的动机过程提供了实证支持。他们共同证明，榜样会增加角色追求者主观上感知的成功概率（即期望），进而增加动机和目标，但前提是他们被认为是可以实现的。这些发现揭示了提高榜样的知名度是多么重要，这些榜样体现了可能的表现，并呼吁进一步研究以了解榜样如何通过改变对自己成功的看法，特别是少数群体成员的愿望来增强期望。