Table of Contents
Aspiration Index
Here in this post, we are sharing the “Aspiration Index”. You can read psychometric and Author information. We have thousands of Scales and questionnaires in our collection (See Scales and Questionnaires). You can demand us any scale and questionnaires related to psychology through our community, and we will provide you with a short time. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
About Aspiration Index
Scale Name
Aspiration Index
Author Details
Timothy Kasser and Richard M. Ryan
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Aspiration Index (Ak Grouzet ct al., 2005) is a 47-item instrument designed to measure the relative strength of a person’s life goals (i.c., aspirations), Based on self-determination theory (e.g.. Ryan & Deci, 2002), the Al measures both intrinsic aspirations (c.g,, self-acceptance, affiliation, community feeling, and physical health) and extrinsic aspirations (c.g., financial success, popularity, and image).
Research has repeatedly found that placing high importance on intrinsic aspirations is positively associated with mental health indicators, while placing high importance on extrinsic aspirations is negatively associated with these indicators (Kasser & Ryan, 1993, 1996). Similarly, self-reported attainment of intrinsic aspirations is positively associated with well-being, while the attainment of extrinsic aspirations is not (Ryan et al., 1999).
The Al was initially designed to measure four domains (Kasser & Ryan, 1993) reflecting intrinsic and extrinsic goals, however, further research expanded the mode! to include 11 domains existing along two primary dimensions: (a) intrinsic (e.g., self-acceptance, affiliation) versus extrinsic (c.g.. financial success, image) and (b) self-transcendent (e.g., spirituality) versus physical (e.g. hedonism) (Grouzet et al., 2005). Strengths-based researchers and practitioners can use the Al to better understand goals/aspirations within the broad framework of human motivation and personality.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Participants should be in a quiet, comfortable environment with minimal distractions.
- They should have access to a pen or pencil and a clean copy of the questionnaire.
- A brief explanation of the Aspiration Index and its purpose can be provided.
- Emphasize the importance of honest and confidential responses.
- Clearly explain the format of the questionnaire (35 items focusing on 8 aspirations).
- Go over the scoring system for each aspiration (importance, present attainment, future attainment).
- Ensure participants understand they should answer based on their own values and beliefs.
Reliability and Validity
Research suggests the Aspiration Index is a reliable and valid tool for measuring goal orientation. Here’s a breakdown of the evidence for its strengths:
Internal consistency: Studies have shown good internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha, a measure of how well items within a test measure the same construct. Acceptable values range from 0.70 (adequate) to 0.90 (excellent), and the Aspiration Index typically falls in the very good to excellent range.
- Content validity: The questionnaire directly addresses the concept of intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations, with items clearly linked to these categories.
- Construct validity: Studies have supported the idea that the Aspiration Index measures what it’s designed to measure. This is shown in two ways:
- Convergent validity: Scores on intrinsic aspirations correlate moderately to highly with measures of well-being and positive psychological states, which aligns with SDT’s theory.
- Discriminant validity: Scores on intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations are shown to be distinct constructs with minimal overlap, further supporting the idea that the Index captures two separate types of goals.
Available Versions
Maltiple-Items
Reference
- Kasser‚ T.‚ Ryan‚ R.M. (1993). A dark side of the American dream: Correlates of financial success as a central life aspiration. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology‚ 65‚410–422.
- Kasser‚ T.‚ Ryan‚ R.M. (1996). Further examining the American dream: Differential correlates of intrinsic and extrinsic goals. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin‚ 22‚280–287.
- Kasser‚ T. (2002). Sketches for a self-determination theory of values. In E. L. Deci‚ & R. M. Ryan (Eds.)‚ Handbook of self-determination research (pp. 123-140). Rochester‚ NY: University of Rochester Press.
- Grouzet‚ F. E.‚ Kasser‚ T.‚ Ahuvia‚ A.‚ Dols‚ J.‚ Kim‚ Y.‚ Lau‚ S.‚ . . . Sheldon‚ K. M. (2005). The structure of goal contents across 15 cultures. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology‚ 89(5)‚ 800–816
- Kasser & Ryan‚ (1996). Aspiration Index. In: Simmons C. A.‚ Lehmann P. (eds). Tools for strengths-based assessment and evaluation‚ New York‚ NY: Springer‚ pp. 261-265. (2013).
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aspiration Index?
A tool to assess people’s life goals and their importance.
What are the two main types of aspirations it measures?
Intrinsic (personal growth, relationships) and Extrinsic (wealth, fame).
How is it administered?
Typically self-report questionnaire.
Is it reliable?
Yes, studies show good internal consistency.
Is it valid?
Yes, it measures what it’s designed to (intrinsic vs extrinsic goals) and aligns with well-being research.
Disclaimer
Please note that Psychology Roots does not have the right to grant permission for the use of any psychological scales or assessments listed on its website. To use any scale or assessment, you must obtain permission directly from the author or translator of the tool. Psychology Roots provides information about various tools and their administration procedures, but it is your responsibility to obtain proper permissions before using any scale or assessment. If you need further information about an author’s contact details, please submit a query to the Psychology Roots team.
Help Us Improve This Article
Have you discovered an inaccuracy? We put out great effort to give accurate and scientifically trustworthy information to our readers. Please notify us if you discover any typographical or grammatical errors.
Make a comment. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
If you have any scale or any material related to psychology kindly share it with us at psychologyroots@gmail.com. We help others on behalf of you.
