Interaction between locus of control and three pacing procedures in a personalized system of instruction course

Abstract

This study examined the interaction effects of three pacing procedures and perception of locus of control on student final examination performance in a PSI course. College students identified by the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale as expecting external reinforcement performed better under the reward and control conditions, and those identified as expecting internal reinforcement did better under the penalty condition. Student anxiety was postulated as having been a factor affecting performance.