Internal vs external locus of control and the use of self-reinforcement.

Abstract

All Ss received training on a verbal discrimination task with E reinforcing correct responses. After training to a 60% criterion E ceased administering reinforcement and Ss were instructed to reinforce themselves after correct responses. Ss were divided into internal and external locus of control groups; during the self-reinforcement phase, half of each group received the same stimuli as during training and half received a generalization set. There were no differences between internals and externals in total self-reinforcement used or in its correctness. Internals made fewer correct responses and gave more incorrect self-reinforcement despite a lack of differences in initial learning. Results and implications were discussed in terms of the identification and establishment of reinforcement contingencies by the two locus of control types.