This study investigated the factorial structure and the construct validity of the factors based on responses to a 25-item Internal-External Control Proverbs Test. 488 university students were given the series of proverbs in a battery that included the Rotter Internal-External scale. Responses to proverbs were factor analyzed, the factors subjected to analysis of variance by sex and year in school of S, and the factors correlated with the total external score from Rotter's scale. The results point to a single construct, internal control, and two broad types of subconstructs under the aegis of external control, situational and behavioral potential.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
CrandallV. C.KatkovskyW.CrandallV. J.Children's beliefs in their control of reinforcement in intellectual-academic achievement situations. Child Development, 1965, 36, 91–109.
2.
GurinP.GurinG.LaoR. G.BeattieM.Internal-external control in the motivational dynamics of Negro youth. Journal of Social Issues, 1969, 25 (No. 3), 29–53.
3.
RotterJ. B.Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs, 1966, 80, No. 1 (Whole No. 609).
