Date Approved

5-9-2000

Embargo Period

6-21-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School Psychology

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Dihoff, Roberta

Subject(s)

Academic achievement; Locus of control; Sex differences (Psychology) in adolescence

Disciplines

Educational Psychology

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between Locus of Control and academic achievement, and discussed the possibility of gender differences. Past research indicated a positive correlational relationship between internal scores and high academic achievement. Overall, the research regarding gender found males to be more internal than females. In this study, the 77 subjects were 10th grade American History students, placed in three different class levels, according to academic achievement the prior year. The Rotter's Internal-External scale was administered to all the subjects during History class. These scores were then separately correlated with academic class level and gender. The statistical analysis found a correlation between Locus of Control and academic achievement, with a Pearson Correlation Coefficient of .387. According to data collected, females were more internal then males, however a level of significance was not found. Overall, this study supported the implications of past research because a positive relationship between Locus of Control and academic achievement was found.

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