Healthy Living: Rotter

Question 0

Method:

Answer 0

Review article

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate the locus of control theory (LOC).

Question 2

Sample

Answer 2

6 pieces of research into individual perceptions of ability to control outcomes based on reinforcement.

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

PP’s who felt they had control over situations were more likely to show behaviours enabling them to cope with potential threat, as opposed to PP’s who thought that threat was due to chance or non-controllable forces.

Question 4

Conclusions

Answer 4

LoC would affect many behaviours, not just health behaviours.
Male smokers who quit and did not relapse had higher level of internal LoC (James et al).
No sig. diff. for female smokers.

Question 5

Evaluate validity

Answer 5

Whether the scale an effective method for measuring locus of control could be debated.
Self report may lower validity

Question 6

Evaluate self report methods used

Answer 6

Validity reduced- PP’s may have lied due to social desirability

Question 7

Reductionist or holistic?

Answer 7

Reductionist.
Reducing behaviour to either internal or external LoC. Ignores other factors e.g. Social of emotional factors due to focus on COGNITIVE approach.