Date Approved

5-5-1999

Embargo Period

8-8-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School Psychology

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Klanderman, John

Subject(s)

Locus of control; Tae kwon do

Disciplines

Educational Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to show that children who reach high ranks in Tae Kwon Do taught in a traditional manner will have a greater propensity towards an internal locus of control. The psychological legacy of Tae Kwon Do is in tune with many aspects of Rotter's Locus of control theory. In the words of the president of the Pan American Martial Arts Union, Chang K. Kwak, "Through the martial arts we learn control and that control can be applied to all areas of life. Success is not measured in a set of short term goals... Learning is a continual process."

This study compared beginning and advanced Tae Kwon Do students. Students were randomly tested during a two week period using the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale. Using a T-Test, significant findings were found. Advanced students had a greater propensity towards an internal locus of control. The findings support the hypothesis that Tae Kwon Do training taught in a traditional manner increases characteristics consistent with an internal locus of control.

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