Sex Differences in Research on Locus of Control

Abstract

This study attempts to determine whether variance unaccounted for in correlations between internal locus of control and academic achievement scores for 291 males and 272 females can be attributed to sex differences in locus of control. Males' and females' responses to the Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Locus of Control, using a modified format, were factor analyzed separately and compared. The results indicate similar factor structures for males and females, with significant differences obtained on 5 of 40 items. Implications for research are discussed.