(1) Understanding Rotter's Theory of Locus of Control

Locus of Control Overview

• Definition: Locus of control is a psychological concept that describes how strongly individuals believe they can control the events that affect them.

Key Figures

• Dr. Ramos: Discusses the importance of Radu's research on locus of control amidst critiques of personality theory.

• Radu: Conducted significant research on locus of control, establishing its relevance in psychology.

• Broader: Proposed the two distinct ways individuals perceive their control over actions and consequences.

Types of Locus of Control

External Locus of Control

• Individuals believe they are influenced by external factors such as:

  • Other people

  • Luck

  • Fate

• Example: A person attributing their success to chance or external help rather than personal effort.

Internal Locus of Control

• Individuals believe they have control over their outcomes based on their actions:

  • They take responsibility for what happens in their lives.

  • This perspective is linked to increased effort and persistence.

• Example: A student who studies hard and believes their performance on a test is a direct result of their study habits.

Characteristics and Implications

• Those with an internal locus of control tend to exhibit:

  • Higher achievement motivation

  • Greater self-efficacy

• Cultural Influences: Locus of control can vary based on:

  • Cultural context

  • Socio-economic conditions

  • Parenting styles

Stability of Locus of Control

• Radu noted that a person's locus of control can change:

  • It is not fixed and can vary depending on specific situations.

  • An individual may exhibit internal tendencies in one context but shift to external tendencies in another.

Conclusion

• Understanding the locus of control can provide insights into personal motivation and how individuals perceive their ability to influence their life paths.