"According to Robert Merton, when adolescents accept the cultural goal but reject the institutional means of attaining it, they may pursue other illegitimate paths in a stage of adaptation called ."

Innovation

Explanation:According to Merton's theory people understand that there are goals that you need to attain and that society expects you to achieve but some will find other ways to achieve these goals rather than conforming to the legally ways approved by society.

Innovation: refers to using unconventional ways to achieve societal approved gaols such as stealing, or committing robbery in order to achieve financial stability.