independent behaviours Flashcards
locus of control
which psychologist brought this idea forward
rotter (1966)
briefly, what does loc mean
extent to which individuals believe they can control events that affect them
internal loc person type
an individual who believes their live is determined by their own decisions, actions and efforts
less reliant on the opinion of others
more likely to display independent behaviours
external loc person type
an individual who believes their lives are determined by fate, luck and external factors
more reliant on opinion of others
less likely to display independent behaviours
how do we know this
Holland (1967)
used milgrams methodology to assess independant behaviours
results of holland
internals- 37% didn’t continue to 450v
externals- 23% didn’t continue to 450v
real life application of loc
Locus of control has been studied in various contexts, including its influence on motivation, achievement, health behaviours, and coping strategies. It can have significant implications for individuals’ attitudes, behaviours, and well-being. Additionally, understanding an individual’s locus of control can be important in therapeutic settings, as it may influence the approach to counselings or intervention.
evidence that undermines loc
rotter (1982)
argued that loc only plays an important part in new situations- where you have previous patterns of behaviour this will remain consistent to the previous situation regardless.
can only explain a limited range of social situations where people may resist social influence
evidence that supports loc
elms and milgram (1974)
interviewed disobedient participants from 4 different milgram experiments. they showed a greater amount of internal loc characteristics
social support meaning
People may resist pressures to conform or obey if they have support from someone who disagrees with the majority or refuses to obey.
why is locus of control a good thing (ao3 points)
Helps Explain Individual Differences – LoC provides a useful explanation for why some individuals are more likely to resist social influence
Research Support – Studies, such as those by Holland (1967) and suggest that people with an internal LoC are more likely to resist obedience and take independent actions, which supports its validity.
why is locus of control a not as good thing (ao3 points)
Not Always a Strong Predictor of Behavior – Although internal LoC is linked to resistance, other factors (e.g., situational pressures) can override it, meaning it does not always determine behavior.
Cultural Differences – Some research suggests that LoC differs across cultures; for example, collectivist cultures may emphasize external control due to greater reliance on social harmony.
