Locus Of Control: Logical Inquiry
Locus of Control
Logical inquiry “Those who have an internal locus of control believe in their own ability to control themselves and the world around them.” (Locus of control, 2002-2013) A person with an external locus of control believes that they have no control over what happens to them or the world around them (Locus of Control, 1996-2014) After taking the assessment I determined that my locus of control is internal. I take responsibility for my life both good and bad.
Problem solving
There are good and bad aspects of both internal and external locus of control. This can be a very empowering feeling or it can be a depressing thing. Internal locus control is good because it allows individuals to have their own sense of self.
For example, if I study hard and follow directions in my Social Psychology class I will get a good grade. However, the pitfall of an internal locus of control is that people have to accept responsibility for their failures as well as rewards for their successes. This can mean a great deal of pressure on a person. For example, If I fail my Social Psychology class it is because I did not put forth the necessary effort. External locus of control also has advantages and disadvantages. Those with external locus of control are in essence followers not leaders. The good thing about this view is that they can share the burden of responsibility with outside forces, thus softening the landing when they fail. This means less depression and anxiety. For example, I may have failed this class but it was not all my fault. Many of the other students failed as well, the class was just too difficult. On the other hand, people with an external locus of control feel weak and they are always a victim. For example, I never would have failed this course if the instructor would have provided me with enough feedback to succeed. I was set up for failure and the instructor does not like me.
Evaluative decision making
Although it is good to have some external locus of control to keep one from blaming their self for every little thing, I prefer to take responsibility for my own actions. Internal locus control feels more realistic to me and therefore I believe it is better. I cannot honestly say that other people are responsible for my failures. If I did say that, it would feel like a lie. It is very difficult for me to think of times when my locus of control is not as strong because I have always been fairly honest with myself. I can think of one area that could use improvement. When my clients are throwing tantrums it is easy for me to think that my job would be so much easier if they were not always in a bad mood. The truth is it is my job to help them think positively and feel better about themselves. It would help me if when this happens I take a step back and quickly reconsider the quality of life my client has depends on my responses to their attitudes and they are not always able to control their anger without help.
Locus of Control. (1996-2014). Retrieved from Mind Tools: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCDV_90.htm
Locus of control. (2002-2013). Retrieved from Changing Minds: http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/locus_control.htm
Logical inquiry “Those who have an internal locus of control believe in their own ability to control themselves and the world around them.” (Locus of control, 2002-2013) A person with an external locus of control believes that they have no control over what happens to them or the world around them (Locus of Control, 1996-2014) After taking the assessment I determined that my locus of control is internal. I take responsibility for my life both good and bad.
Problem solving
There are good and bad aspects of both internal and external locus of control. This can be a very empowering feeling or it can be a depressing thing. Internal locus control is good because it allows individuals to have their own sense of self.
For example, if I study hard and follow directions in my Social Psychology class I will get a good grade. However, the pitfall of an internal locus of control is that people have to accept responsibility for their failures as well as rewards for their successes. This can mean a great deal of pressure on a person. For example, If I fail my Social Psychology class it is because I did not put forth the necessary effort. External locus of control also has advantages and disadvantages. Those with external locus of control are in essence followers not leaders. The good thing about this view is that they can share the burden of responsibility with outside forces, thus softening the landing when they fail. This means less depression and anxiety. For example, I may have failed this class but it was not all my fault. Many of the other students failed as well, the class was just too difficult. On the other hand, people with an external locus of control feel weak and they are always a victim. For example, I never would have failed this course if the instructor would have provided me with enough feedback to succeed. I was set up for failure and the instructor does not like me.
Evaluative decision making
Although it is good to have some external locus of control to keep one from blaming their self for every little thing, I prefer to take responsibility for my own actions. Internal locus control feels more realistic to me and therefore I believe it is better. I cannot honestly say that other people are responsible for my failures. If I did say that, it would feel like a lie. It is very difficult for me to think of times when my locus of control is not as strong because I have always been fairly honest with myself. I can think of one area that could use improvement. When my clients are throwing tantrums it is easy for me to think that my job would be so much easier if they were not always in a bad mood. The truth is it is my job to help them think positively and feel better about themselves. It would help me if when this happens I take a step back and quickly reconsider the quality of life my client has depends on my responses to their attitudes and they are not always able to control their anger without help.
Locus of Control. (1996-2014). Retrieved from Mind Tools: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCDV_90.htm
Locus of control. (2002-2013). Retrieved from Changing Minds: http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/locus_control.htm