Abstract
Previous studies on level of aspiration (LOA) have confounded numerical and social anchoring effects, or have inadequately controlled for the presence of numerical anchorages. This study attempted to assess these singly and in interaction. Anchoring effects were varied across levels of social prestige and numerical success scores, and combined with and without attributed chance scores. Results indicated a significant triple interaction of the variables, along with significant main effects and double interactions. Comparisons of the results of this study with previous ones clarified the effects of chance, numerical, and social anchorages on the LOA.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
CHAPMAN, D. W., & VOLKMANN, J. 1939. A social determinant of the level of aspiration. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 34, 225–238.
EDWARDS, A. L. 1960. Experimental Design in Psychological Research. (Rev. Ed.). New York: Rinehart.
FESTINGER, L. 1942. Wish, expectation, and group standards as factors influencing level of aspiration. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 37, 184–200.
FRANK, J. D. 1935. Some psychological determinants of the level of aspiration. American Journal of Psychology, 47, 285–293.
HANSCHE, J., & GILCHRIST, J. C. 1956. Three determinants of the level of as-piration. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 53, 136–137.
ROTTER, J. B. 1945. Level of aspiration as a method of studying personality: IV. The analysis of pattern response. Journal of Social Psychology, 21, 159–177.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McConn, D.J., Reich, J.W. Social and Numerical Anchoring Effects on the Level of Aspiration. Psychol Rec 19, 617–622 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393894
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393894