A Study In Procedural Manipulation of Locus of Control
Abstract
Specific locus of control change techniques were developed, examined and tested on one hundred twenty-eight (128) matched students in a general psychology class at North Carolina Central University during the spring semester of 1979. This study investigated the possibility of changing locus of control orientation in college students. Additionally, pretest locus of control scores of students who dropped the course were compared with those completing it. The experimental design was a two by four (2X4) matched group design. Presumed change in pretest-posttest locus of control scores as measured by Rotter's Internal External Locus of Control Scale and pretest locus of control scores of students who dropped the course were the dependent variables. Results revealed that locus of control scores in the experimental group shifted significantly (p less than .05) in the internal direction while those in the control condition moved toward an external orientation. Externals in the experimental group contributed significantly (p less than 0.5) to the overall change. Internals were found to move toward externality. The findings confirmed the contention that locus of control orientation can be influenced toward internality. Recommendations are offered for use of locus of control intervention techniques in academic settings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 13, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA068658
Entities
People
- Vernon W. Hatley