Locus of Control Scale
The Instrument
The locus of control scale was initially developed in 1966 by Julian Rotter (Mearns, 2010). Generally, it is a method of measuring both external and internal expectancies of people and how well they are in control of these factors. The locus of control contains 23 items in the form of a questionnaire that a person is expected to answer. Scores in the locus control assume values that range from zero to thirteen.
My Score
After taking the Locus of control test, I managed to attain a total of 13 out of the 23 scoring items. This is a high score and it implies that I have an internal locus of control that translates into me being a person who is more empowered. In my opinion, I see this as a good score because it makes feel that I have an upper hand in controlling what happens in my life.
Interpretation
Having attained a high score, I believe that some things that I do in my daily life have inspired me. Some of these are: I love adventure, I am usually very curious and imaginative, open, appreciative and sensitive to arts and beauty, I am straightforward and disciplined, I practice good planning of work, and finally, I am conscientious.
Changing my Locus of Control
I could achieve a more internal LOC by changing my thinking pattern and attitudes a little bit. Additionally, there are attribution training programs that I can always attend with the aim of scoring highly and getting a more internal LOC. These training programs have been known to instill positive affirmations to people and this would help me to ultimately get a more internal LOC (Shah, 2009).
The Myer-Briggs Type Indicator Test
The Instrument
The history of this instrument is a rather interesting one because its developers were a mother and her daughter (Katherine and Isabel Briggs respectively) in the year 1943 (Reinhold, 2006). The intended goal of this instrument was to resolve conflict between people and help them match to appropriate places of employment. It contains 80 items and one’s score is computed after answering each item and the submitting his/her answers, after which a score is compiled from the database of the instrument.
My Personality Type
After completing the test, my personality type came out as ESFJ, which stands for Extrovert/Sensing/Feeling/Judging (Reinhold, 2006). These results are absolutely consistent with my real self. I totally concur with the outcome because I believe that this personality is a match with the real me. I tend to have a primary mode of living and I deal with things according to how I feel about them.
Interpretation
Being of ESFJ, I realize there are certain things that resulted to me having this character profile. Some of these are: I have a warm sense of responsibility, I focus keenly on life’s details, I am dependable, and enjoy whatever needs to done. I realize I also get much approval from my peers. I give a lot and through giving, I get my satisfaction as a person. I believe that I am caring and appreciative.
Changing my Personality Type
I believe that I could change my personality if I reduce my tendency to be sensitive to criticism. Also, I could have a stronger personality if I get rid of some of my weaknesses. All these, together with changing my perspective towards life, can ensure that my personality profile is a much stronger one.
References
Shah, D. (2009). Mind over Matter. Retrieved from http://completewellbeing.com/article/know-your-loc/
Mearns, J. (2010). The Social Learning Theory of Julian Rotter. Retrieved from http://psych.fullerton.edu/jmearns/rotter.htm
Reinhold, R. (2006). Myers Briggs Test. What is Your Personality Type? Retrieved from http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html
