What does the term "locus of control" refer to?

The term "locus of control" essentially refers to an individual's perception of the underlying causes of events in their life, distinguishing between internal and external attributions of outcomes. When one has an internal locus of control, they believe that they can influence the results of their actions through their own efforts, attitudes, and skills. Conversely, an external locus of control suggests that individuals attribute outcomes to external circumstances, luck, or fate, implying that they have little control over their life's events.

Understanding locus of control is essential in educational contexts, as it can significantly impact motivation, learning, and behavior. A strong internal locus of control can lead to greater resilience and persistence in the face of challenges, as individuals feel empowered to take charge of their learning and personal outcomes.

The other choices refer to concepts that do not align with the definition of locus of control. Chronological learning sequences deal with the order of learning activities; feedback received from peers pertains to social interactions in a learning environment; and stages of personality development relate more to theories of psychological growth rather than perceptions of control over life events.