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Theories of Personality Locus of Control

The document discusses the concept of Locus of Control, introduced by Julian Rotter, which differentiates between Internal and External Locus of Control based on beliefs about the causes of reinforcement. It explores the development of these beliefs, their impact on behavior, and their applications in various fields, while also addressing criticisms regarding oversimplification, cultural bias, and the static nature of the concept. The document emphasizes the importance of understanding how these perceptions influence motivation and decision-making.

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109 views9 pages

Theories of Personality Locus of Control

The document discusses the concept of Locus of Control, introduced by Julian Rotter, which differentiates between Internal and External Locus of Control based on beliefs about the causes of reinforcement. It explores the development of these beliefs, their impact on behavior, and their applications in various fields, while also addressing criticisms regarding oversimplification, cultural bias, and the static nature of the concept. The document emphasizes the importance of understanding how these perceptions influence motivation and decision-making.

Uploaded by

abhyudaya.bhargavaphd
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

LOCUS OF CONTROL

Abhyuday Bhargava
Locus of Control

Concept introduced by Julian Rotter.


Explores behavior and personality through
external reinforcements and internal
cognitive processes.
Types of Locus of Control:
Internal Locus of Control: Belief that
reinforcement is caused by one's own
behavior.
External Locus of Control: Belief that
reinforcement is influenced by other
people, fate, or luck.
Locus of Control

 Personality Types:  Impact on Behavior:


 Internal Locus of Control:  Internal Locus of Control:
 Reinforcements are under their  Higher performance in tasks.
control.  Strong sense of control and self-
 Strong sense of personal agency. determination.

 External Locus of Control:  External Locus of Control:


 Conviction that rewards are  Low motivation to improve
controlled by external forces. situations.
 Feel powerless in affecting  Minimal effort due to lack of
outcomes. expectation for control
Internal V/s External Locus of Control: Characteristics
Development of Locus of Control

•Locus of control development: Learned in childhood and influenced by parental behavior


and family environment.

•External locus of control: Linked to:


•Absence of an adult male role model.
•Large single-parent families headed by women (Schneewind, 1995).
•Mothers with depression, low income, and limited formal education (Freed & Tompson, 2011).

•Internal locus of control:


•Associated with supportive parenting, praise for achievements,
and consistent non-authoritarian discipline.
•Encourages independence as children grow older.
Critical Analysis

 Strengths:
 Practical Application: The concept has been widely applied in various fields,
including education, therapy, and workplace management, to understand and modify
behavior.
 Behavioral Insight: It offers a clear framework to understand how individuals perceive
their ability to influence outcomes, impacting motivation and decision-making.
 Predictive Value: The theory effectively predicts behaviors related to achievement,
health, and coping mechanisms under stress.
Critical Analysis

 Weaknesses:
 Oversimplification: Critics argue that the binary distinction between internal and
external locus of control may oversimplify complex human behavior.
 Cultural Bias: The theory may reflect Western individualistic values and not account
for cultural differences in perceptions of control.
 Static Framework: The locus of control is treated as a stable personality trait, but
research suggests it may fluctuate with context and life experiences.
Critical Analysis

 Research-Based Criticism:
 Some studies indicate that locus of control is influenced by situational factors,
challenging its validity as a fixed personality dimension.
 Gender and cultural differences in locus of control have highlighted the need for a
more nuanced understanding of the concept.

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