Replications of association between internal locus of control and leadership in small groups.

Abstract

An internal locus of control, as measured by Rotter's ( 5 ) internal-external (I-E) scale has been associated (2 ) with sociometrically determined task-leadership in researchergenerated small groups of students ( N = 96; leaders' M = 7.72, followers' M = 10.54; t = 2.93, p .05 ) . Likewise, a more rigorous replication ( 1 ) , using Ss matched and placed in groups by the researcher, yielded negative results; indeed, leaders tended to be more external than followers, although this was not statistically significant (N = 128; leaders' M = 12.46, followers' M = 11.64; t = 1.26, p > .05). Further analysis, using subscales based on Mirels' ( 4 ) and Joe and Jahn's ( 3 ) investigations into the multidimensionality of Rotter's I-E scale, did not alter this result substantially. These failures to replicate do not appear related to differences in method or to multidimensionality in the I-E scale. However, Ss were generally freshman and sophomore students, and changes in samples might account for the negative results. Indeed, if Ss' definitions of the psychological situation have changed so that assuming leadership in classroom-task groups is no longer rewarding, then the obtained results would be the expected ones. It is suggested that the internality-leadership association be explored further, especially with non-student populations, and that Ss' definitions of the psychological situation, which determine expectancies and reinforcement values, be carefully incorporated within the research design ( 6 ) .