Scale-Description

The Traffic Locus of Control Scale (TLOCS-17) is a psychometric tool that assesses individuals’ perceptions of their ability to control conditions related to driving and traffic. The scale consists of 17 questions that address various aspects of driving behavior, focusing on the extent to which individuals believe they have control or that these situations are influenced by external factors.

The TLOCS-17 primarily distinguishes between two types of locus of control:

Internal locus of control: The belief that an individual’s actions and decisions directly affect outcomes.

External locus of control: The belief that external factors, such as other drivers or road conditions, influence outcomes.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data from the TLOCS-17 are collected through self-reports, where participants evaluate statements regarding their perceptions of control in driving. Key analyses include:

Reliability analysis to determine the internal consistency of the scale, typically through the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha.

Factor analysis to confirm the dimensions included in the scale, such as social and emotional factors.

Correlation analysis to examine the relationship between locus of control and other factors, such as driving behavior, driving anxiety, or accidents.

Purpose

The primary goal of the TLOCS-17 is to assess individuals’ perceptions of control in driving and how this control affects their behavior on the road. This tool can be used to:

Identify adaptive or maladaptive perceptions that influence driving.

Assist in designing interventions that promote safer driving behaviors.

Explore the relationship between locus of control and the psychological well-being of drivers.

Calibration

The calibration of the TLOCS-17 involves the following steps:

Reliability analysis to measure the internal consistency of responses across different dimensions of the questionnaire.

Confirmatory factor analysis to validate the structure of the scale.

Cross-validation in different populations to ensure the validity and generalizability of the results.

Bibliography

Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80(1), 1-28.

Krahe, B., & al., et al. (2007). The role of locus of control in driving behavior. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 10(6), 481-490.

Griffin, J. J., & et al. (2009). Locus of control and its relationship to risk-taking behavior in drivers. Journal of Safety Research, 40(4), 305-311.