Locus of Control and Academic Achievement

Abstract

In an attempt to unravel reasons for ethnic discrepancies in academic achievement, this study investigated the locus of control orientation of Fijians and Fiji-Indians and examined its influence on their academic performance. Data on academic performance, locus of control, and social background were collected from 272 Fijians and 273 Fiji-Indians. In comparison to Fijians, the Fiji-Indians showed greater internal locus of control orientation and performed better on achievement tests, despite their poorer socioeconomic background. The relationship of internal orientation to academic performance was significant in both groups but stronger for Fijians than for Fiji-Indians. The results are interpreted as meaning that locus of control, a culturally influenced factor, is one variable underlying the disparity in the academic success of the two ethnic groups.