Prediction of Locus of Control from Performance on a Perceptual Recognition Task

Abstract

In a study by Lawlor (1970) an attempt was made to reduce the perceptual defense or vigilance effect of process, non-paranoid schizophrenics through alterations in the pace at which the stimuli were presented. The present study predicted that those Ss who did show a decrease in effect as a result of optimal pacing and self-pacing without awareness would more likely be those more “external” in locus of control. It was found that “external” Ss were more likely to have shown an initial defense effect and that this was indeed reduced in the two experimental conditions. Also, “internal” Ss were more likely to have shown an initial vigilance effect which was not then reduced by the same experimental procedures.