Research and Evaluation of Locus of Control Theory

The locus of control theory has been subject to various studies, providing both supporting evidence and critiques.

Supporting Evidence

1. Schute's Study (1975)
   • Exposed undergraduates to peers expressing conservative or liberal attitudes towards drug-taking
   • Found that those with an internal locus of control conformed less to pro-drug attitudes

Evaluation: This study demonstrates the impact of locus of control on resisting social influence, supporting the theory's validity.

2. Elms and Milgram's Research (1974)
   • Investigated the background of disobedient participants in Milgram's experiments
   • Found that disobedient participants had an internal locus of control

Evaluation: This further strengthens the theory by showing a link between internal locus of control and independent behavior through disobedience.

Critiques and Limitations

Schurz's Study (1985)

• Found no relationship between locus of control and obedience among Austrian participants
• Participants gave high levels of what they believed to be painful, skin-damaging bursts of ultrasound to learners, regardless of their locus of control

Evaluation: This study suggests that locus of control may not be universally influential in determining independent behavior, indicating that other factors may contribute to obedience or conformity.

Highlight: The conflicting results from various studies underscore the complexity of human behavior and the need for a multifaceted approach to understanding resistance to social influence.

Locus of Control: Understanding Personal Agency

Rotter's 1966 theory of locus of control explores how individuals perceive their ability to influence life events. This concept is crucial in understanding resistance to social influence and independent behavior.

Definition: Locus of control refers to the extent to which an individual feels they are in control of their own behavior, ranging from 'internal' to 'external'.

Internal Locus of Control

Individuals with an internal locus of control exhibit the following characteristics:

• Take personal responsibility for their behavior
• More likely to resist social influence
• Behave independently
• Attribute outcomes to their own actions

Example: An internal might say, "I failed an exam because I didn't revise enough."

External Locus of Control

Those with an external locus of control tend to:

• Believe they're controlled by luck and fate
• Be less likely to resist social influence
• Rely more on others' opinions
• Attribute outcomes to external factors

Example: An external might say, "I failed an exam because the exam board didn't ask the right questions."

Highlight: Research has shown a link between not conforming to pro-drug attitudes and an internal locus of control, demonstrating its impact on resisting social influence.