Question

Internal or External Locus of Control

Julian Rotter set forth his Expectancy Theory, which suggests that learning creates thoughts or "expectancies" that guide our behavior. Furthermore, our "expectancies" are also influenced by how rewards and punishments are controlled.

If you believe that expectancies are controlled by your own efforts, then you have an internal locus of control. In other words, your own effort controls the outcome of a situation. “I did well because I studied hard” reflects an internal locus of control.

If you tend to believe that rewards or punishments are controlled by factors external of you, such as luck, then you are demonstrating an external locus of control. In other words, you attribute outcomes to situations from which you have no control. “I did well because I got lucky” reflects an external locus of control.
You can have a combination of both, especially in different situations. However, our thinking tends to be dominated by one or the other.
Questions:
How might your locus of control be affecting your life, personally and academically?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of an internal locus of control?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of an external locus of control?
150 words minimum please about “Internal Locus of Control”

Answer 1

150 words was challenging you can remove what you like, hope this helps!

An internal locus of control is the belief that the outcomes of one's life are primarily determined by one's own efforts and abilities rather than external factors such as luck or fate. This mindset leads individuals to take personal responsibility for their actions and to believe that they have the power to shape their own destiny.

Having an internal locus of control can be beneficial in many ways. It is associated with higher levels of achievement, greater job satisfaction, better physical and mental health, and greater resilience in the face of adversity. People with an internal locus of control tend to be more proactive and persistent in their pursuit of goals, as they believe that their efforts will be rewarded.

However, an internal locus of control can also have its drawbacks. Individuals may become overly self-critical and blame themselves for negative outcomes, even if they are not entirely responsible. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. Additionally, an internal locus of control can lead to a tendency to underestimate the impact of external factors on one's life, which may result in a lack of empathy for others who face difficult circumstances.

Overall, having an internal locus of control can be a valuable asset, as it encourages individuals to take initiative and responsibility for their lives. However, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective and acknowledge the role that external factors may play in shaping our outcomes.