Which statement is true about external locus of control?

Which statement is true about external locus of control?

• A. Internal locus of control: belief that luck determines outcomes.
• B. Internal locus of control: belief that external forces control outcomes.
• C. External locus of control: belief that personal effort determines outcomes.
• D. External locus of control: belief that external forces control outcomes.

Answer: (D)

Locus of control is about where people think control over events comes from. External locus of control means you view outcomes as determined by forces outside yourself—things like luck, fate, or what other people do. This stands in contrast to internal locus of control, where you believe your own effort, choices, and abilities shape what happens. The true idea here is that external forces control outcomes. The other options mix up where control lies: thinking luck or personal effort determines outcomes aligns with the opposite locus, respectively.

Locus of control is about where people think control over events comes from. External locus of control means you view outcomes as determined by forces outside yourself—things like luck, fate, or what other people do. This stands in contrast to internal locus of control, where you believe your own effort, choices, and abilities shape what happens. The true idea here is that external forces control outcomes. The other options mix up where control lies: thinking luck or personal effort determines outcomes aligns with the opposite locus, respectively.