Ss high in either internal or external locus of control as measured by Rotter's I-E Scale were given 3 levels of choice to take the role of either the electric shock-giver or receiver in a learning experiment. The perceived freedom of choice in those conditions in which choice was restricted turned out to be a complex function of locus of control, choice condition, and task role. A tentative explanation is offered in terms of both dissonance and reactance theories.
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