Perceived problem difficulty, perseverance, and success in the locus of control-affect relationship

Leader, Brian Todd (1990) Perceived problem difficulty, perseverance, and success in the locus of control-affect relationship. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (8MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

A number of research efforts in various areas of psychology, have substantiated a relationship between perceived control of reinforcement and affective states. Specifically, the perception that such control is internal (as opposed to external) is associated with positive affect. In the present study, an investigation was conducted which attempted to delineate the process by which this relationship occurs. A causal model was hypothesized which consisted of the following four steps: (1) The perception of internal control is associated with less perceived problem difficulty. (2) Less perceived problem difficulty in turn elicits greater perseverance. (3) This greater perseverance produces greater success. (4) This greater success in turn causes a more positive change in affect. Using a specially designed computer program which involved attempts at solving mazes, support was found for each of the four steps in the model. Implications of these results are discussed.

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