Attributional styles of pupils in the Molopo region

Abstract

The major objective of this study was to observe attributional patterns of pupils in middle and high schools in the Mmabatho region. The study used a Random Sampling Technique to select the sample for standards 5 to 1 0 male and female pupils. Each group was divided on the basis of socio-economic status. The study used Rotter's ( 1966) Internal-External Locus of Control scale, which deals with the person's perception of contingency relationships between their own behaviour and events which follow such behaviour. Use was also made of the Achievement Motivation Questionnaire by Pottas, Erwee, Boshoff, and Lessing ( 1980) to ensure the need for achievement levels of pupils. The results were analysed using the Chi Square Test and the student's t-test of analysis with the independent variables identified as socioeconomic status, gender, age and school achievement, and the dependent variables being attributional styles, locus of control and need of achievement Subsequently, intercorrelations between the different scales was performed to test the reliabilities of the scales. A Principal Factor Analysis with Varimax Rotation was executed to elicit all factors which might have given rise to the highest variance in explaining the cause of specific attributional patter.