Locus of control and competence

The relation of locus of control and competence in school achievement, social interactions, sports, and home related activities was examined. The sample consisted of 346 ninth-grade students, and competence was measured using self-report, antional battery test scores, grades, and sociometric ratings. Among males, locus of control was significantly related to competent performance only among those subjects who placed a high value on outcomes in each area. Among females, the pattern was exactly reversed. Locus of control and various forms of competence were related only in areas of low interest value. The implications of these findings were discussed.