Gender Differences in Locus of Control Scores for Students with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

The present investigation examined gender differences on locus of control scores for students with learning disabilities. Scores from two measures of locus of control, the adult version of the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Scale and the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire, were compared for 77 boys ( M age = 16.3 yr., M IQ = 89.5) and 27 girls ( M age = 16.4 yr. and M IQ = 91.2). As groups were of unequal sizes, differences between scores were assessed by an analysis of unweighted means, creating a single harmonic mean and homogeneous subsets for all tests. Significant differences were found by gender on the Nowicki-Strickland inventory. On all assessments girls' means were more external than boys'. These results are discussed in light of recent findings concerning gender and positive adult outcomes for learners with learning disabilities and in relation to gender stereotyping and discrimination.