Construct Validity of the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children

Abstract

Rotter's formulation of locus of control as the attribution of control over reinforcements to oneself (internal control) or to others (external control) is discussed in relation to the individual's belief in such supernatural powers as luck, chance, fate, superstition, God, astrology, etc. The validity of the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children in measuring levels of attribution to such external sources of control is assessed. For 182 high school students, a significant positive correlation was obtained between locus of control scores and magical beliefs scores, with an external orientation associated with higher levels of magical beliefs. No significant correlation was obtained between locus of control scores and belief in God. The results indicate that attribution of control to supernatural powers is a small, but relevant, component of an individual's control orientation and provide support for the continued study of the Nowicki-Strickland children's scale as a measure of locus of control.