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| From Wikipedia |
| Locus of control was formulated
within the framework of Rotter's (1954) social learning
theory of personality. Lefcourt (1976) defined perceived
locus of control as follows: "Perceived control
is defined as a generalised expectancy for internal
as opposed to external control of reinforcements"
(Lefcourt 1976, p27). |
| Locus of control is a concept
initially used to distinguish between two types of situations
– those in which outcomes are determined by skill
in contrast to settings where chance is the main determinant
of success and failure. For example, in games such as
chess, sporting events such as tennis, and exams in
fields such as mathematics, It is reasoned that positive
and negative outcomes are determined primarily by ability
and level of skill. This does not imply that chance
has no influence whatsoever on what has transpired.
After all, perhaps the tennis match was affected by
a gust of wind, or the math exam score influenced by
a guess at a true/false alternative. Nonetheless, outcomes
in these events primarily are determined (or, are perceived
as determined) by ability. Ability is located within
the person; hence, the so-called locus of control is
internal. On the other hand, if a “head”
or a “tail” will be showing in a coin toss,
or whether red or black will be the place the ball stops
in roulette, is determined (or, is perceived to be determined)
by chance (assuming the game is “fair”).
Of course, some may think they can sway where the roulette
ball stops or that they can guide the appearance of
a head or a tail on a coin toss, so that ability may
be conceived as influencing task outcome. Nonetheless,
most individuals on most occasions believe that success
and failure at these tasks are chance-determined. Chance
is regarded as external to the person, resulting in
the external locus of control label. |
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http://wilderdom.com/psychology/loc/LocusOfControlWhatIs.html
External Locus of Control
Individual believes that his/her behaviour is guided by
fate, luck, or other external circumstances
Internal Locus of Control
Individual believes that his/her behaviour is guided by
his/her personal decisions and efforts.
In general, it seems to be psychologically healthy to perceive
that one has control over those things which one is capable
of influencing.
In simplistic terms, a more internal locus of control is
generally seen as desirable. Having an Internal locus of
control can also be referred to as "self-agency",
"personal control", "self-determination",
etc. Research has found the following trends:
Males tend to be more internal than females
As people get older they tend to become more internal
People higher up in organisational structures tend to be
more internal (Mamlin, Harris, & Case, 2001)
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