An examination of the factorial stability and reliability of the communication‐specific locus of control scale

Abstract

This research provides two independent examinations of the Communication‐Specific Locus of Control Scale (CLCS) originally developed by Hamilton (1991). A 15‐item revised version of the instrument was found in Study 1 to be an unidimensional scale with good internal reliability. It was also found to be independent of the Levenson Three Factor Locus of Control Scale (1973), a generalized measure of the locus of control construct. In Study 2 the revised scale was found to be multidimensional and less reliable. The CLCS is judged to be unstable and it is recommended that it should not be employed in future communication research until it is substantially revised and a more stable version is generated.