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Summary
Locus of control relates to competence differently in males and females. For males, high value on outcomes correlated with competence, while for females, low interest areas showed a relationship, impacting school and social behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Locus of control, a key psychological construct, influences an individual's perception of control over life events.
- Competence, encompassing skills and abilities, is crucial for academic, social, and personal development.
- Understanding the interplay between locus of control and competence is vital for educational and developmental interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between locus of control and competence across various domains.
- To investigate potential gender differences in this relationship.
- To explore how value and interest moderate the locus of control-competence link.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 346 ninth-grade students participated in the study.
- Competence was assessed using self-report measures, standardized tests, academic grades, and peer ratings.
- Locus of control was measured to determine students' beliefs about the causes of events.
Main Results:
- For males, locus of control correlated with competence only in high-value domains.
- For females, the relationship between locus of control and competence was significant in low-interest domains.
- These gender-specific patterns suggest differential motivational influences on performance.
Conclusions:
- The findings highlight the complex, gender-differentiated nature of the locus of control-competence relationship.
- Motivational factors, such as perceived value and interest, play a crucial role in moderating this association.
- Implications for tailored educational and psychological support strategies based on gender and individual motivational profiles were discussed.