LOCUS OF CONTROL AND METACOGNITION IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which two psychological variables, locus of control and metacognition, are correlated in high school students. In addition, the study considered the effects of such secondary variables as grade level, ethnic status and sex on locus of control and metacognition during the high school years. Data were gathered from 102 subjects enrolled in four high school English classes. The subjects completed a package containing two instruments. The Rotter Internal-External scale was used to assess locus of control. Low score values on this instrument are indicative of an internal locus of control, while high values typify persons having an external locus. An index of metacognition was provided by a researcher-prepared instrument composed of a cloze task in which each response was accompanied by a prediction of correctness. The correctness of responses, paired with the prediction values, provided for calculation of an index of metacognition which could subsequently be correlated with scores on the locus of control measure. The subjects completed a short questionnaire which identified such personal characteristics as their year in school, ethnic status and sex. Identification of these variables provided for an investigation of the effects of these factors on locus of control and metacognition. Results of hypothesis testing indicated a significant (alpha = .05) negative correlation between locus of control and metacognition. Subjects with an internal locus of control tended to have higher levels of metacognition. No significant differences were found between either mean locus of control scores or mean metacognition scores when these values were compared across the secondary variables of grade level, ethnicity and sex. The values of the correlation coefficient between locus of control and metacognition were not found to differ significantly when compared across grade level, ethnicity and sex. Based on the results of hypothesis testing it was concluded that locus of control and metacognition are correlates. The lack of significant differences when each variable was compared across grade levels, minority/non-minority status and sex led to the conclusion that the correlation between the primary variables is a general one, not dependent on linkage to one of the secondary variables investigated.