Locus of Control and College Students' Approaches to Learning

Abstract

To predict over-all grade point average (GPA) the relationships among the students' approaches to learning as measured by the Study Process Questionnaire, Scholastic Aptitude Test, class attendance, and GPA were based on responses from 202 undergraduate students (72 men, 125 women, and 5 undefined) enrolled in an introductory psychology course. Analysis indicated that SAT scores correlated positively with over-all GPA. Scores on Achieving Approach to learning only were significantly but negatively correlated with GPA ( r = −.27). Higher scores on the external locus of control measure also correlated negatively but not significantly with GPA ( r = −.21). Regression analysis indicated Scholastic Aptitude Test scores were also the best predictors of overall GPA followed by class attendance. Only scores on Achieving Approach contributed to the prediction of GPA. No significant effect was noted when examining gender and Scholastic Aptitude Test scores with the Study Process Questionnaire.