Description

The Brown Locus of Control Scale (AQ-25) is a psychological instrument designed to assess an individual’s locus of control. Locus of control refers to the extent to which people believe they have control over the events in their lives. This scale is based on the theory that individuals with an internal locus of control believe they can influence outcomes through their actions, while those with an external locus of control feel that external forces, such as fate or luck, dictate outcomes. The AQ-25 is particularly useful for identifying whether a person exhibits more internal or external tendencies in terms of control over life events.

Analysis and Use of Data

Purpose and Use:Evaluation of Locus of Control: The AQ-25 is used to measure how strongly individuals feel in control of their life events. Higher scores typically indicate a more internal locus of control, suggesting that a person believes they can influence their circumstances through effort and actions. Conversely, lower scores indicate a more external locus of control, reflecting beliefs that external factors or fate play a larger role.
Research and Clinical Use: The scale is widely used in both research and clinical settings. It can be used to assess how an individual’s sense of control affects their mental health, decision-making, and behavior in various contexts, such as stress management, academic performance, or recovery from illness. Clinicians may also use it to tailor interventions aimed at improving an individual’s perception of control.
Data Collection and Scoring:Administration: The AQ-25 consists of 25 items, each rated on a Likert scale ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.” Respondents answer questions regarding their beliefs about control over life events.
Scoring: Scores are calculated by summing the responses, with specific items reverse-scored to ensure accurate measurement of the internal-external control dimension. A higher total score indicates a more internal locus of control, while a lower score reflects a more external perspective. The results can be used to classify individuals into categories such as internal, external, or mixed locus of control.

Calibration

Norms and Reliability: The AQ-25 has been tested for reliability and validity across different populations. Studies typically report good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.70), indicating that the scale reliably measures the concept of locus of control.
Interpretation: Researchers and clinicians interpret the total score to understand an individual’s orientation toward control. Those with higher internal control scores may be seen as more proactive and self-directed, while those with more external control scores may be more prone to anxiety or feelings of helplessness, especially in challenging situations.

Bibliography

Brown, J. M. (1984). Locus of Control: Current Trends in Theory and Research. New York: Wiley.
Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80(1), 1-28.
Lefcourt, H. M. (1982). Locus of Control: Current Trends in Theory and Research. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Furnham, A., & Steele, H. (1993). Measuring Locus of Control: A Critique of General, Children’s, Health and Work-Related Locus of Control Questionnaires. British Journal of Psychology, 84(4), 443-479.
Cheng, C., Cheung, S. F., Chio, J. H., & Chan, M. S. (2013). Cultural Differences in Locus of Control: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 98(6), 975-1007.