Locus of control

• one factor that psychologists believe may have an effect on independent behaviour is whether we have an internal or external locus of control
• locus of control refers to an individual's perception about the underlying main causes of events in their lives
• internal locus of control- believe that they are mostly responsible for the outcome of their actions. They don't rely on the opinions of others and are more likely to be leaders
• external locus of control- believe that things that happen are outside of their control. they blame others when things go wrong and they believe that life is something that happens to them
• people with high internal LOC are more likely to resist conformity as they don't demand the social approval/opinion of others
• people with high internal LOC take personal responsibility for their actions and experiences
• people with high external LOC are more likely to conform and be influenced by others as they don't believe they exercise personal control over their lives