LOCUS OF CONTROL [resistance to social influence] Flashcards
Who came up with the concept of locus of control?
Rotter
What is locus of control?
A person’s perception of personal control over their own behaviour
What are the characteristics of an internal locus of control?
HIGH level of personal control over life Feel personal responsibility Can RESIST social influence Achievement orientated Less likely to rely on others
What are the characteristics of an external locus of control?
LOW level of personal control over life
Believes everything happens due to external factors
LIKELY to be influenced by others
LIKELY to conform/obey
How did Rotter test for locus of control?
Using a questionnaire
How is the locus of control questionnaire effective?
Some questions are ‘red herrings’ to avoid social desirability causing demand characteristics and influencing the outcome
How did Holland’s study support Rotter?
He repeated Milgram’s study but tested LOC
- 23% EXTERNALS didn’t continue to highest
- 37% INTERNALS didn’t continue to highest
= more INTERNALS disobeyed
What is a problem with Holland’s results? LOC EV
63% of internals did still obey, which raises some questions
What evidence did Anderson & Schneier find to support Rotter?
Group members with an internal LOC are more likely to emerge as group leaders, which fits in with the proposed characteristics as they feel personal responsibility for taking action
How did Twenge’s meta-analysis challenge Rotter?
He found that people are becoming both more likely to have an external LOC and more resistant to obedience
= doesn’t fit with external characteristics
What did Rotter later offer as an alternative suggestion?
Locus of control only comes into play in new, unfamiliar situations - when it is familiar, experience is more important in influencing obedience
