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Locus of Control Scale
The Instrument
The Locus of Control Scale was developed by Julian Rotter, an American Psychologist. This scale is characterized by a series of questions (total of 23 items) that aims to measure a person’s expectation or perception about their own control of reinforcement (“The Social Learning,” n.d.). In other words, it measure how we see or interpret the reasons behind what happens to our lives. It is scored by assigning a point to certain answers. The total number of points will determine whether a person has a more external or internal locus of control.
My Score
The result of my Locus of Control test is 15 points. Out of a total of 23 points, it means that I am geared towards a higher score that represents a more internal locus of control. A person with an internal locus of control is said to be self-determined, has a sense of personal control, and sees circumstances as products of certain action and decisions, not by fate of luck (Neill, 2006). Generally, people see having an internal locus of control to be a good thing. I also believe that it is a good thing. After all, it seems more empowering to think that I, as a person, can decide how my life will turn out to be. With internal locus of control, I know that I can get what I want in life as long as make the right decision and take necessary actions. I do not have to fear that bad luck or fate will get in the way of what I want.
Interpretation
I totally agree with the score that I got as it reflects my behavior and perception in my daily life. For instance, if I study hard and got good grades, it means that I really did my best. However, if I study hard and still got a not so pleasing grade, which already happened in the past, it did not mean that it was just a bad day for exam. I would not blame others either. I know that it happened because my efforts to study were not enough. I have always seen that the direction that I take in my academic journey is not a result of opportunities and chances that are based in fate or luck.
Changing My Locus of Control
I believe that my current locus of control is just enough. I do not want to change it to be more internal than it already is because it might cause me too much frustration when things do not go the way I intend it to be.
The Myer-Briggs Type Indicator Test
The Instrument
The MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality test was developed by Katherine Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers. It is based on the concepts of personality that were developed by Carl Gustav Jung, a psychologist and at the same time, psychiatrist (“MBTI Basics,” n.d.). The test is composed of 80 questions that aim to measure and assess the preferences of a person and discover which type of personality one has.
My Personality Type
Based on the result of the test, I am a mix of both introvert and extrovert. Therefore, two possible personality types were revealed: ISFJ and ESFJ. The I and the E in both types stand for introvert and extrovert. The letters SFJ stand for sensing, feeling, and judging. I do agree with the result of the test because I find it hard to classify myself as either introvert or extrovert. Likewise, I do tend to rely on facts and practical information. In other words, I rely on common sense most of the time. In addition, I am more comfortable in making decisions right away, and whenever I have to decide, I find it necessary to consider how others will be affected by it.
Interpretation
As I previously mentioned, I can be either an extrovert or introvert. For instance, it is not hard for me to meet new people and get along with them in social situations. I believe that socialization or connecting with other people is important for my own sense of well-being. However, I also value solitude. I make sure that I do get a daily quiet time for self-reflection. Moreover, I try to decide on things as soon as possible based on common sense. For example, when I get into conflict with someone, I try to resolve it right away and if I know that I am the one to blame, I apologize without hesitation. I do not want to make things more complicated.
Changing my Personality Type
References
MBTI basics (n.d.). The Myers & Briggs Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
Neill, J. (2006). Measures of locus of control. Wilderdom. Retrieved from http://wilderdom.com/psychology/loc/Measures.html
The social learning theory of Julian B. Rotter (n.d.). California State University, Fullerton. Retrieved from http://psych.fullerton.edu/jmearns/rotter.htm
