Julian Rotter (1966) devised a locus of control personality test to assess the
extent to which an individual possesses internal or external reinforcement beliefs.
Terry Pettijohn, the author of Psychology: A ConnecText, has developed the
following test based on Rotter's original idea. Indicate for each statement whether it
is T (true) or F (false) for you. There are no right or wrong answers. This survey
will give you a general idea of where you stand on the locus of control personality
dimension.
Name:
Email:
Class:
1. I usually get what I want in life.
True
False
2. I need to be kept informed about news events.
True
False
3. I never know where I stand with other people.
True
False
4. I do not really believe in luck or chance.
True
False
5. I think that I could easily win a lottery.
True
False
6. If I do not succeed on a task, I tend to give up.
True
False
7. I usually convince others to do things my way.
True
False
8. People make a difference in controlling crime.
True
False
9. The success I have is largely a matter of chance.
True
False
10. Marriage is largely a gamble for most people.
True
False
11. People must be the master of their own fate.
True
False
12. It is not important for me to vote.
True
False
13. My life seems like a series of random events.
True
False
14. I never try anything that I am not sure of.
True
False
15. I earn the respect and honors I receive.
True
False
16. A person can get rich by taking risks.
True
False
17. Leaders are successful when they work hard.
True
False
18. Persistence and hard work usually lead to success.
True
False
19. It is difficult to know who my real friends are.
True
False
20. Other people usually control my life.
True
False
Score Your Locus of Control
0-15 Very strong external locus of control
20-35 External locus of control
40-60 Both external and internal locus of control
65-80 Internal locus of control
85-100 Very strong internal locus of control
Enter Your Locus of Control in the textbox below.
Do you think that is an accurate assessment? Why or why not?
