Scale-Description

The The Adult Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale (TANLOCS-40) is a psychometric tool used to assess the locus of control in adults. It was developed to measure an individual’s belief regarding how much control they have over the consequences of their actions, whether this is influenced by internal factors (such as ability and effort) or external factors (such as luck or other people).
The scale includes 40 questions that may be either declarative or reflective. Participants respond to questions about their perceptions of control in their lives, aiming to identify their orientation toward internal or external control.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data from the TANLOCS-40 are collected through self-reports from participants. Key analyses include:
Reliability analysis to determine the internal consistency of the scale, calculating indicators such as 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 psychological variables, such as self-esteem, anxiety, or well-being.
The results can be used to better understand the role of locus of control in mental health and individual well-being.

Purpose

The main goal of the TANLOCS-40 is to measure individuals’ attitudes regarding the control they have in their lives. This tool can be used to:
Identify individuals’ orientations toward internal or external control.
Understand how beliefs about control affect psychological well-being and behavior.
Assist in designing interventions that enhance internal locus of control, which is often associated with better psychological outcomes.

Calibration

The calibration of the TANLOCS-40 involves:
Reliability analysis to ensure the consistency of responses across various items in the scale.
Confirmatory factor analysis to test the validity of the scale’s structure.
Cross-validation in different populations to ensure the generalizability of the results.

Bibliography

Nowicki, S., & Strickland, B. R. (1973). A locus of control scale for children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 40(1), 148-154.
Nowicki, S. (1976). The Nowicki-Strickland locus of control scale: A revised version for adults. Psychological Reports, 38(3), 979-981.
Lefcourt, H. M. (1976). Locus of control: Current trends in theory and research. Psychology Press.