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Summary
This study found no overall increase in powerlessness over 10 years for college graduates. However, multidimensional scoring revealed a significant rise in social-political control, not personal control.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding developmental changes.
- Previous cross-sectional research suggested increasing powerlessness over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis of increased powerlessness over a decade.
- To examine changes in locus of control among college graduates.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of college students tested in 1964 and again in 1974.
- Utilized Rotter's Internal-External (I-E) Locus of Control Scale.
- Applied Mirels' two-factor scoring system for analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant change in overall Internal-External (I-E) Locus of Control scores.
- Significant increase in social-political control scores over 10 years.
- No significant change in personal control scores.
Conclusions:
- Cross-sectional findings on powerlessness may be misleading.
- Multidimensional scoring reveals nuanced changes in locus of control.
- Social-political control increased, while personal control remained stable.