Oerter, Oerter, Agostiani, Kim and Wibowo (1996) present an intriguing framework for studying concepts of human nature, and they offer thought-provoking applications of that framework to culture and to the primary-secondary control model. Their evidence that primary control is more characteristic of American subjects than those in Japan, Korea and Indonesia harmonizes well with our view (see Weisz, Rothbaum, & Blackburn, 1984a, 1984b). The work raises important issues for the assessment of control orientation. In addressing these issues, we (a) argue for methodological consistency across comparison cultures; (b) stress the need to know both an individual's actions and goals for accurate assessment of primary and secondary control; (c) note the need to assess steps or sequences in the pursuit of control; (d) discuss control as it relates to religion, and to individualism-collectivism; and (e) note the potential relevance of primary and secondary control to all stage levels in the Oerter et al. model. Studying the concept of human nature is a complex task, and the Oerter et al. analysis suggests key issues that need to be addressed in the process.
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