Abstract
The locus of control reflects whether individuals attribute their success and failure to their own behaviors (internal locus of control) or other people or luck (external locus of control). This study attempted to study locus of control among university students. The population included a total of 6,110 incoming master’s students at 10 major universities across Tehran. The sample consisted of 360 subjects selected randomly from 5 universities. The data were collected through Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale (RLCS). The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical measures (Pearson correlation, T-test). Individuals with external locus of control tend to be less certain about their ability to influence the future events. One of the important outcomes associated with internal and external locus of control is self-esteem. Any success attributed to external factors such as luck or help from others can create a sense of pride and confidence. The obtained results showed that locus of control was more internalized in male students than in female students. The results further revealed that male students attributed their successes to themselves and considered external factors to be responsible for their failure. However, the results indicated that the opposite was true about the female students since they would assume responsibility for the negative consequences of their actions. According to our results, male students had confidence in their abilities, whereas female students, due to their inbred lack of self-confidence, would constantly wait for confirmation of their actions from their environment.
Highlights
It refers to the extent to which a person believes that they can affect their life
Researchers believe that individuals with internal locus of control in the workplace more harness their behavior, appear socially and politically more active, make an effort to influence the behavior of others and care a lot about their progress, prosperity and attaining personal goals
The obtained results showed that locus of control was more internalized in male students than in female students
Summary
It refers to the extent to which a person believes that they can affect their life. In terms of attributing successes or failures individuals are divided into two groups: 1) those usually attributing their success or failure to their own behavior (effort or ability), 2) those usually attributing their success or failure to luck or difficulty of tasks. The vast majority of research in this regard suggest that people with internal locus of control have always demonstrated better academic achievement, more efficient taking advantage of social failures and greater success in educational contexts Those with external locus of control perform poorly throughout education (Biabangar, 1991). Children will develop lower self-confidence if parents never give them opportunities to make decisions and act independently This will lead to a fragile personality incapable of carrying tasks desirably. Giffor, Kallen, Popowich and Powell (1990) stated that locus of control plays an important role in the development of self-esteem This implies that people with internal locus of control enjoy higher self-esteem, maturity and positive perceptions about themselves. Cooper, Findly (1988) demonstrated that students with internal locus of control enjoy more academic achievement and progress than students with external locus of control (Barron, 1991)
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