Locus of Control vs. Locus of Evaluation

Attribute	Locus of Control	Locus of Evaluation
Definition	Belief about the extent to which individuals can control events affecting them	Belief about the source of standards used to evaluate one's own behavior
Internal vs. External	Internal locus of control believes they have control over their own actions and outcomes, while external locus of control believes external factors determine their fate	Internal locus of evaluation uses personal standards to evaluate behavior, while external locus of evaluation relies on external standards or others' opinions
Impact on Behavior	Can influence motivation, decision-making, and coping strategies	Can affect self-esteem, self-worth, and satisfaction with achievements
Development	Can be influenced by upbringing, experiences, and personality traits	Can be shaped by cultural norms, societal expectations, and personal values

Locus of Control

Locus of control refers to an individual's belief about the extent to which they can control events that affect them. People with an internal locus of control believe that they have control over their own lives and the outcomes of their actions. They tend to take responsibility for their successes and failures, believing that their efforts and decisions directly influence the results they achieve. On the other hand, individuals with an external locus of control believe that external factors such as luck, fate, or other people determine their outcomes. They may feel powerless to change their circumstances and may attribute their successes or failures to luck or external forces.

Locus of Evaluation

Locus of evaluation, on the other hand, refers to where individuals believe the source of judgment or evaluation comes from. People with an internal locus of evaluation rely on their own standards and values to evaluate their actions and decisions. They are more likely to trust their own judgment and seek feedback from within themselves. In contrast, individuals with an external locus of evaluation rely on external sources such as others' opinions, societal norms, or authority figures to evaluate their actions. They may seek validation and approval from others before making decisions or assessing their performance.

Attributes of Locus of Control

Individuals with an internal locus of control tend to be more proactive and take initiative in their lives. They believe that their efforts will lead to positive outcomes and are more likely to set goals and work towards achieving them. They are also more likely to persist in the face of challenges and setbacks, as they believe that they have the power to overcome obstacles. On the other hand, individuals with an external locus of control may be more passive and resigned to their circumstances. They may feel helpless and may not take action to change their situation, as they believe that external forces are in control.

Attributes of Locus of Evaluation

Individuals with an internal locus of evaluation are more likely to trust their own judgment and make decisions based on their own values and beliefs. They are less influenced by external opinions and are more confident in their choices. They are also more likely to take ownership of their decisions and their consequences, as they believe that they are responsible for their actions. In contrast, individuals with an external locus of evaluation may be more susceptible to external influences and may struggle to make decisions independently. They may seek validation from others and may be swayed by external opinions, even if they conflict with their own values.

Impact on Behavior

Both locus of control and locus of evaluation can have a significant impact on individuals' behavior and decision-making processes. People with an internal locus of control and an internal locus of evaluation are more likely to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes. They are more likely to be self-motivated and confident in their abilities, leading to higher levels of achievement and success. On the other hand, individuals with an external locus of control and an external locus of evaluation may struggle to take ownership of their actions and may be more prone to feelings of helplessness and dependency on external factors.

Development of Locus

The development of locus of control and locus of evaluation can be influenced by a variety of factors, including upbringing, experiences, and personality traits. Children who are raised in environments that encourage independence and self-reliance are more likely to develop an internal locus of control and an internal locus of evaluation. Conversely, children who are constantly criticized or controlled by others may develop an external locus of control and an external locus of evaluation. Personal experiences, such as successes and failures, can also shape individuals' beliefs about their control over outcomes and the sources of judgment.

Implications for Success

Research has shown that individuals with an internal locus of control and an internal locus of evaluation tend to be more successful in various aspects of their lives, including academics, career, and relationships. They are more likely to set and achieve goals, take risks, and persist in the face of challenges. They are also more likely to experience higher levels of satisfaction and well-being, as they feel in control of their lives and decisions. On the other hand, individuals with an external locus of control and an external locus of evaluation may struggle to achieve their goals and may experience lower levels of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, locus of control and locus of evaluation are important psychological concepts that influence individuals' beliefs about their control over outcomes and the sources of judgment. While individuals with an internal locus of control and an internal locus of evaluation tend to be more proactive, self-reliant, and successful, those with an external locus of control and an external locus of evaluation may struggle with feelings of helplessness and dependency on external factors. Understanding these concepts can help individuals become more aware of their beliefs and behaviors, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.