A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF PERCEIVED LOCUS OF CONTROL AS IT RELATES TO HUMAN COMMUNICATIVE OUTCOMES
Abstract
This study assesses the contribution of perceived locus of control in our understanding of human communicative outcomes. After reviewing the psychological and sociological literature of perceived locus of control as well as that of related constructs such as human choice, helplessness and reactance and assessing the current status of the construct of perceived control in communication research, a synthetic model integrating and elaborating the salient aspects of perceived control is presented. This model highlights the contribution of problem potential, cultural factors, and factors involved in the mutual negotiation of control expectancies within communicative interaction. It is argued that these factors in combination contribute to the stability and change of interpersonal and other ongoing control expectancies. Future directions for the study of perceived control by rhetorical and communication scholars are then considered.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Communication
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