Research Poster Presentation
Transcript: Locus of Control Andrea Basurto, Kathy Suculanda, Noemi Gonell, Crystal Barriga, Briana Bryant SYF 101 Methods Abstract Discussion Participants: 21 College Students The research group members gathered participants by sending the survey to friends and classmates. The purpose of this study was to analyze the locus of control among college students and within minority communities experiencing socioeconomic and cultural barriers. We analyzed how beliefs about internal versus external control heavily influences a student's academic success, motivation and progress. This study highlights how structural barriers such as financial difficulties, limited access to resources and systemic inequality affects academic influence as well. To gather answers for this research we created a survey that will reflect whether or not college students have an internal or external locus of control. Conclusions Participants completed a survey consisting of: 10 items measuring internal and external locus of control (5-point Likert scale) 3 Demographic questions 1 Optional short-answer question about the impact of barriers Locus of control plays a critical role in academic outcomes, motivation, and student well-being. Minority students experiencing poverty and socio-cultural barriers may be more likely to develop external locus of control due to systemic inequality, chronic financial pressures, and cultural challenges. Understanding these dynamics can help educators and institutions create targeted strategies that empower students, strengthen internal control beliefs, and reduce the impact of structural barriers. Introduction Procedures: Google Form Survey Future Research College students’ beliefs about what influences their success can shape their motivation, academic performance, and overall well-being. Locus of control refers to whether individuals believe outcomes are determined by their own actions or by external forces beyond their control. Prior research shows that these beliefs can be shaped by students’ environments, including access to resources and exposure to systemic barriers. This study explores how locus of control appears among college students, particularly those from minority backgrounds, and how it may relate to perceived challenges and academic achievement. Future studies should examine: Larger and more diverse samples of minority students Longitudinal data to track changes in locus of control over time The role of mental health (e.g., stress, anxiety) in shaping perceived control Google form questions : 1. My grades mostly depend on how much effort I put into studying 2. When I work hard I usually achieve the results I want 3. I believe I can influence what happens to me in my academic life 4. I can usually solve my own academic problems if I try hard enough 5. My success in college depends largely on my own motivation and abilities 6. No matter how hard I study or how motivated I am, sometimes my grades just depend on luck 7. In college, its often other people (professors, classmates) who determine how well I do academically 8. Sometimes I feel that my academic success or failure is beyond my control 9. Good grades mostly come from being in the right place at the right time 10. When I pass or fail an exam it often depends on the things I can't control 11. What is your ethnicity/race? 12. Have you or your parents experienced financial struggle paying for college? 13. Have you experienced any socio-cultural barriers during your time in college? Open ended question : If you have experienced socio-cultural barriers, how has it affected your college life and academic progress? References Hypotheses Cattell, R. B. (1989). The 16 Personality Factor Model. Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Understanding cultural and racial barriers in education. Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and racial disparities in health and education outcomes. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. College students with internal locus of control will have higher academic performances than those that have an external locus of control. In minority poverty communities, individuals who face greater barriers such as limited access to education, job opportunities, and systemic inequality are more likely to develop an external locus of control than those who experience fewer barriers. Results 1. 52.4% Strongly Agreed, 33.3% Agreed and 9.5% Disagreed 2. 42.9% Agreed, 33.3% Strongly Agreed and 23.8% Neutral 3. 52.4% Agreed, 28.6% Strongly Agreed, 9.5% Disagreed and 9.5% Neutral 4. 52.4% Strongly Agreed and 42.9% Agreed 5. 33.3% Neutral, 28.6% Disagreed, 23.8% Agreed and 9.5% Strongly Agreed 6. 38.1% Agreed, 23.8% Neutral, 19% Disagreed, 9.5% Strongly Agreed and 9.5% Strongly Disagreed 7. 42.9% Disagreed, 28.6% Neutral, 14.3% Agreed and 9.5% Strongly Agreed 8. 42.9% Neutral, 33.3% Disagreed, 9.5% Agreed and 9.5%