Predictability of trait behavior: the manipulation of perceived control to alter locus of control and conformity

The manipulation of control to alter the degree of locus of control (LOC) and conforming behavior was investigated. Participants were pre-tested using the conformity scale from the Jackson Personality Inventory (JPI), and Duttweiler's Internal Control Index (ICI) (Duttweiler, 1984). Forty-one individuals who scored within the first quartile or forth quartile on both inventories completed the study. Eighteen internals and twenty-three externals were assigned to one of two treatment conditions. One week later, as a second conformity measure, all participants completed a modified version of the Asch comparison paradigm. Half of the participants of each group were able to control the timing could not. Following the treatment condition, participants were administered the JPI and ICI and a manipulation check questionnaire on perceived control. It is hypothesized that: a) participants who are not in control are more likely to conform than those who are in control, and b) when participants are in control they express stronger internal tendencies, whereas those who are not in control express stronger external tendencies.