A study was done in which preservice education teachers were randomly assigned to a group approach to human relations training, a traditional approach, or a control group. The group approach was designed to develop group cohesiveness. Both group and traditional approaches had greater scores on empathic responding than the control group had. (JN)

Academic locus of control and mothers' school-related reactions and expectations were studied in 81 learning disabled (LD) and 81 normally achieving children. LD children indicated more external perceptions of control for academic success. Mothers of LD children reported more negative reactions to their children and lower academic performance…

Proposes a three-level taxonomy of reasons for vocational retraining: compliance, identification, and internalization. Internalization level motivators correlated with internal locus of control and vocational maturity. Subjects who retrained because of high compliance motivation were less satisfied with the program and more inclined to drop out.…

Determined whether attendance in a series of workshops on citizen participation in civic affairs could influence significantly locus of control, life satisfaction and anomia among older adults. The experience did enhance internal locus of control but no significant changes in anomia or life satisfaction occurred. (RC)

Investigates the validity of a semiprojective measure of "engagement" with respect to the differential effects of family size. Engagement style refers to the perception one has of oneself as either doing (agent) or being done to (patient). Subjects were 51 male college students ranging in age from 18 to 26 years. (SS)

Argues that psychology instructors should capitalize upon students' eagerness for self-disclosure and that course material should be channeled toward meeting this need. Examines the use of specific personality inventory tests measuring memory, motivation, creativity, and emotion as a link between course material and the students' personal…

The purpose of the study was to develop an instrument (Social Behavior Inventory) for testing children's preferences for cooperative and competitive behaviors. Most research findings suggest that internal locus of control is positively related to academic achievement and high self-esteem. (JOW)

Children from a Catholic elementary school were interviewed to determine what they saw as probable causes for success or failure in four situations: a school testing situation an art project, playing football, and catching frogs. Causal explanations were found to differ across the four situations. (Author/GDC)

A research study examined whether the locus of control orientation of high school and junior high school students could be modified through the incorporation of prescribed activities within the routine of the regular classroom. (JN)

Learned helplessness is a state of passivity and loss of persistence resulting from individuals' perceptions, over a period of time, that they cannot control outcomes of events nor can their efforts lead to attainment of goals. Research studies are reviewed and implications for the study of learning disabilities are evaluated. (MH)

Two experiments using undergraduates confirmed the hypothesis that external statements in the Rotter Internal External Locus of Control Scale are more depressing in tone than internal statements. Thus, depressed subjects may respond to external items due to item mood level rather than locus of control. (Author/JKS)

Investigates sex differences in independence-training practices as a function of locus of control orientation. Subjects were 60 twelve-year-old children. (CM)

Children in grades 1, 3, and 6 were asked to make judgments of their personal identity after three hypothetical transformations: self-other, personal continuity-past, and personal continuity-future. Repsonses were rated on an internal/external dimension. (Author/SS)

Investigates the psychometric properties of the Preschool and Primary Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control Scale (PPNS-IE). The test was administered to first, second and third graders. (CM)