Which category best describes locus of control as an explanation for resisting social influence?

Which category best describes locus of control as an explanation for resisting social influence?

• A. Dispositional factor.
• B. Situational factor.
• C. Cultural factor.
• D. Random variable.

Answer: (A)

Locus of control is a stable personality trait that describes whether a person feels they control what happens to them (internal) or that outcomes are due to luck or outside forces (external). As an explanation for resisting social influence, it fits best as a dispositional factor because it reflects an enduring tendency of the individual, not a feature of the situation. People with an internal locus believe they can influence events and rely on their own judgment, which makes them more likely to question pressure, think things through, and resist conformity or obedience. This contrasts with situational factors, which are about the specific circumstances; cultural factors, which involve broad group norms; or a random variable, which implies unpredictability. The dispositional framing captures the stable, trait-like influence on how someone responds to social pressure across different contexts.

Locus of control is a stable personality trait that describes whether a person feels they control what happens to them (internal) or that outcomes are due to luck or outside forces (external). As an explanation for resisting social influence, it fits best as a dispositional factor because it reflects an enduring tendency of the individual, not a feature of the situation. People with an internal locus believe they can influence events and rely on their own judgment, which makes them more likely to question pressure, think things through, and resist conformity or obedience. This contrasts with situational factors, which are about the specific circumstances; cultural factors, which involve broad group norms; or a random variable, which implies unpredictability. The dispositional framing captures the stable, trait-like influence on how someone responds to social pressure across different contexts.