The role of user's perceived control in interface design, employing verbal protocol analysis

This paper outlines some general strengths and weaknesses of using psychological theoretical approaches beyond their original domains, focusing on Rotter's (1966) Internal and External (I/E) Locus of Control construct. Rotter's theory examines perceived locus of control of individuals during their social interactions. The issues of why and how I/E may be a useful theoretical approach to human-computer interaction (HCI) are addressed. Specific problems encountered in importing I/E into HCI are then described. An interface evaluation experiment is discussed. First, the system used for evaluation purposes is described, as well as the verbal protocol technique used, and the methods of analysis. Finally, the conclusions about the interface are presented. In this contact, I/E as an interface evaluation tool is discussed, as are related issues of importing psychological theories into HCI.