A role model is a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.[1] The term role model is credited to sociologist Robert K. Merton,[2][3] who hypothesized that individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires.,[4] an example of which is the way young fans may idolize and imitate professional athletes or entertainment artists.