Factor Structure and Construct Validity of a Locus of Control Scale with Individuals with Mental Retardation

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the factor structure and construct validity of the Adult version of the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Scale (ANS-IE) with 409 adolescents and adults with mental retardation. Test scores were factor analyzed by gender, yielding a 6-factor solution for females and an 8-factor solution for males. There was a great deal of similarity on factor themes between genders, and similarity between previous analyses of the ANS-IE. Scores for males loaded heavily for factors pertaining to hard work, luck, and personal control. Those for females loaded most heavily on factors pertaining to helplessness, luck, and futility. The scores correlated moderately with conceptually related measures. Questions were raised pertaining to the degree to which individuals responded in an acquiescent manner. The utility of the tool for special educators and practitioners is discussed.