Questionnaire Description

The Locus of Control Scale, authored by J. B. Rotter and adapted by M. Fakinos, consists of 23 item pairs. Each pair includes one statement representing an internal locus of control and another representing an external locus of control. The order of the items is randomized to reduce bias in responses. The locus of control revealed through the responses reflects the individual’s tendency to attribute events either to internal factors (e.g., abilities, effort) or to external factors (e.g., luck, circumstances).

Data Analysis and Usage

The adaptation of the scale was based on a sample of 350 university students aged between 18 and 23 years old, with a mean age of 21.3 years. Responses are collected using a five-point Likert scale, allowing individuals to indicate the degree to which they agree or disagree with each statement.

Purpose

The scale aims to assess an individual’s general expectations about the control of life events. Specifically, it measures the extent to which a person believes that the outcomes of their actions are determined by internal or external motivators.

Scoring

Responses are evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. Participants indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with each item, using a scale from 1 to 5 (1 = strongly agree, 5 = strongly disagree).

Bibliography

Fakinos, M. (1979). Cultural mobility and internal-external locus of control. Master’s Abstracts, 17, 278.
Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80, 1–28.