Domain specific aspects of locus of control: Implications for modifying locus of control orientation

An examination was made to see if locus of control orientation with respect to intellectual achievement could be changed and to determine whether the change generalized to other types of situations. Goal-setting conferences were employed to improve LOC orientation for academic achievement situations among junior high school students. Significant differences were observed between the goal-setting conference group, the conference only group, and the control group on three measures of LOC orientation pertaining to academic situations: IAR⁺ and IAR- scores from the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire, plus the IA subscale of LOCITAD. No significant differences were recorded on the SA (LOC orientation for social achievement situations) and the PA (LOC orientation for physical achievement situations) of LOCITAD. High correlations were observed between Intellectual Achievement Responsibility scores and scores on the IA subscale of LOCITAD. More moderate correlations were observed between IAR scores and the other LOCITAD subscales. Results were interpreted as supporting domain-specific aspects of LOC. Results implied that educators can design programs to modify LOC orientation with less fear that a more internal orientation for academic situations will lead to maladaptive responses in other types of situations. Results also support the development of more precise measures of LOC.