The Effects of Locus of Control on Performance in Self-Directed Study

A sample was taken from a self-directed statistics/experimental psychology class to investigate the relationship between locus of control orientation of the students and their academic performance. Self-directed study was defined as student oriented learning with few lectures and the use of contingency points (points earned for work completed) as reinforcement for completing work packets and projects. (The null hypothesis was that there is no relationship between grades and locus of control in the self-directed class.) It was found that internals progress through a self-directed class setting at a significantly faster rate than do externals