Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
07:05
Visualization Method for Proprioceptive Drift on a 2D Plane Using Support Vector Machine
Published on: October 27, 2016
Geographic mobility and locus of control
The Journal of Psychology
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Geographic mobility was not associated with locus of control in older white men. This study found no significant relationships between migration status and this key psychological trait.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Migrants and nonmigrants are often presumed to differ psychologically.
- Empirical evidence examining these differences, particularly regarding locus of control, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between geographic mobility and locus of control.
- To test the hypothesis that migration status influences this dimension of self-concept.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a national sample of older white men.
- Examination of the relationship between geographic mobility and locus of control measures.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant relationships were found between geographic mobility and locus of control.
- The study did not uncover evidence supporting the hypothesis for this demographic.
Conclusions:
- Geographic mobility does not appear to be associated with locus of control in older white men.
- Further research may be needed to explore these variables in diverse populations.
Related Concept Videos
00:56Attribution Theory
Behavior is a product of both the situation (e.g., cultural influences, social roles, and the presence of bystanders) and of the person (e.g., personality characteristics). Subfields of psychology tend to focus on one influence or behavior over others. Situationism is the view that our behavior and actions are determined by our immediate environment and surroundings. In contrast, dispositionism holds that our behavior is determined by internal factors (Heider, 1958). An internal factor is an...
01:14Fundamental Attribution Error
According to some social psychologists, people tend to overemphasize internal factors as explanations—or attributions—for the behavior of other people. They tend to assume that the behavior of another person is a trait of that person, and to underestimate the power of the situation on the behavior of others. They tend to fail to recognize when the behavior of another is due to situational variables, and thus to the person’s state. This erroneous assumption is called the fundamental attribution...
01:14Rotter's Locus of Control
Julian Rotter introduced the concept of locus of control, a cognitive factor that significantly influences personality development and learning. Locus of control refers to an individual's beliefs about the extent of control they have over events in their lives. According to Rotter, this belief system can be categorized into two types: internal and external locus of control.
Individuals with an internal locus of control believe that their personal efforts and decisions directly affect their...
Individuals with an internal locus of control believe that their personal efforts and decisions directly affect their...
01:30Self Within Cultural Contexts
Cultural frameworks for understanding the self are often categorized into two broad orientations: individualism and collectivism. These paradigms influence how people define themselves, relate to others, and interpret their social worlds. Each orientation offers distinct perspectives on autonomy, responsibility, and the role of the individual within a community.Individualistic CulturesIn individualistic cultures like North America and Western Europe, identity is understood as autonomous and...
01:19Personal Choice and Fate Attributions
Some individuals interpret life events as a consequence of their personal choices and actions, while others believe that outcomes are dictated by fate or destiny. This divergence in perspective has been examined in psychological and cross-cultural studies, particularly in relation to religious faith and cultural beliefs about causality.Fate and Personal ResponsibilityPeople who emphasize personal responsibility view events as direct consequences of their decisions. For instance, breaking a leg...
01:26Locus of Control
Locus of control describes how individuals perceive the causes of events in their lives, influencing motivation and well-being. Introduced by Julian Rotter in 1954, it is categorized into internal and external locus of control.Internal Locus of ControlIndividuals with an internal locus of control believe their actions determine outcomes, fostering responsibility, self-efficacy, and motivation. For example, an employee may attribute career success to hard work. Research links this mindset to...