The multidimensional-multiattributional causality scale: The development of a goal specific locus of control scale

• Published in: Canadian journal of behavioural science 1979-10, Vol.11 (4), p.286-304
• Main Authors: Lefcourt, Herbert M, von Baeyer, Carl L, Ware, Edward E, Cox, Dianne J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Goals; Human; Internal External Locus of Control; Personality Measures; Statistical Validity
• ISSN: 0008-400X; 1879-2669
• DOI: 10.1037/h0081598

Describes the development of goal-specific locus of control scales and 4 validity studies with 180 undergraduates. The scales were designed to assess the locus of control for affiliation and achievement and were constructed from items representing each quadrant of the locus and stability of causal attribution model of B. Weiner et al (1971). Half the items concerned success, and half concerned failure experiences. The achievement locus of control scale failed to predict the affiliation-relevant criteria but was related to body movements indicative of discomfort in the 1 achievement situation that was investigated. Interference and disruptions during the achievement task had a greater unsettling influence on achievement internals. Affiliation locus of control, on the other hand, allowed for the prediction of self-disclosure when conditions called for disclosure and was related to the demonstration of listening skills in a dyadic interaction. In each case affiliation internals proved more socially adroit. In addition, affiliation locus of control was related to recalled early life events that had previously been found to be related to more general measures of locus of control. (French summary) (35 ref)