Proposes an operational definition of aspiration as any goal toward which an individual invests time, effort, or money; this definition focuses on the dynamics of personal choice, retains the field theory perspective of previous research, suggests new ways of quantifying aspiration levels, and permits comparisons of previously incommensurable…

Studies the effects of the Protestant work ethic and performance feedback on intrinsic motivation in a sample of Taiwanese university students. Divides subjects into three groups according to work ethic measurement: high, intermediate, and low. Suggests students with a low work ethic exert more effort when challenged. (NL)