CRYSTAL DAVILASPCH 1720

Locus of Control

Definition

A theoretical construct designed to assess a person's perceived control over his or her own behavior. The

classification internal locus indicates that the person feels in control of events; external locus indicates that

others are perceived to have that control. (Dictionary.com)

Background

Psychologist Julian B. Rotter developed the concept in the 1960’s. It was originally named the LOC of Reinforcements.

It was the framework for his social exchange theory studying behavior and personality. “Locus” is Latin for

place or location. Most internals develop their LOC from family, culture, and past experiences leading to rewards. Most internals have been shown to come from families

that focused on effort, education, and responsibility. Most externals come from families of a low socioeconomic

status where there is a lack of life control.(WikiEd.com)

In our textbook (Floyd, 2009) they explain what we perceive through attribution. An attribution is an explanation for an observed behavior. There are three dimensions of attributions:

•Locus – located within ourselves or outside ourselves.•Stability – stable (permanent, semi permanent or not easily changed) or unstable behavior (unpredictable).•Controllability – controllable (under the persons control or uncontrollable (outside of the persons control).

Some benefits of Internal LOC

More willing to do things that will improve their situation.

Emphasize striving for achievement. Work hard to develop their knowledge, skills and abilities.Are curious, and try to figure out why things turned out

the way they did. Take notes for future references/experiences. Participate more frequently in life events than others.

(Mindtools.com)

Tips for developing Internal LOC

Recognize the basic fact that you always have a choice. Making no choice is actually a choice in and of itself, and it's your choice to allow other people or events decide for you.

Set goals for yourself and note how, by working towards these and achieving these, you are controlling what happens in your life. As you do this, you'll find that your self-confidence quickly builds.

Develop your decision making and problem solving skills so that you can feel more confident, and in control of what happens. With these tools, you'll find that you can understand and navigate through situations that would otherwise damage you.

Pay attention to your self-talk. When you hear yourself saying things like, "I have no choice" or "There's nothing I can do", step back and remind yourself that you do, in fact, have some degree of control. It's your choice whether you exercise it or not.

(Mindtools.com)

Gifford, Bursik and Martin (as cited in Smith and Mihans II, 2009 ) suggest that students who scored with an external score on the LOC scale are more at risk for dropping out of college. They also suggest that students that have more an internal LOC are more likely to remain enrolled in college.

“LOC has been found to be an important variable for success”.

Nowiki et al, (as cited in Smith and Mihans II, 2009) – believe LOC and self-esteem are two important variables in school success and child/adolescent development and function.

Example:

You studied hard for your driving test. The day you go take your test you’re very nervous but get through with it. At the end, the test instructor informs you that you did not

pass. If you have an internal locus of control you understand that you need more practice, and ultimately it

was your responsibility. If you have an external locus of control, you feel that the instructor was grading you too

harshly or that he just didn’t like you.

Test your own LOC

http://www.psych.uncc.edu/pagoolka/LocusofControl-intro.html

Scores range from 0 to 13. Low score indicates a internal LOC and a higher score indicates a more external LOC.

References

locus of control. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Retrieved April 19, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/locus of control

MindTools.com. Locus of Control: Are you in charge of your destiny? Mindtools.com. Retrieved April 26, 2011, from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCDV_90.htm

Picture - http://www.productivity501.com/your-locus-of-control/104/

Floyd, K. (2009). Interpersonal Communication: The Whole Story. New York, New York

Smith, C. A., & Mihans II, R. J. (2009). Raising Issues of Student Locus of Control: Beginning a Longitudinal Study. Research in Education, (81), 63-65. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

WikiEd (Nov 29 2005) Locus Of Control. WikiEd.com. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/WikEd_talk:About