Self-predicted classroom behaviour without external controls: Imagining a ‘Lord of the Flies’ scenario

Abstract

This study examines Australian primary and secondary school students’ self-reported responsible behaviour and their predicted level of misbehaviour in the absence of external controls. Participants were 4225 students from the fourth to 10th grade. High levels of responsible behaviour were reported amongst all students. Nevertheless, in the hypothetical scenario where all external controls were removed, 64% of primary school students and 46% of secondary school students predicted that their behaviour would become worse or much worse. The findings of the present study suggest that for many students, acts of responsibility may be motivated by the imposition of external controls.