In motivation theory, which concept refers to the belief that outcomes are controlled by personal effort?

• A. Locus of control with internal orientation
• B. Self-determination
• C. Emotional contagion
• D. Cross-cultural display rules

Answer: (A)

Locus of control describes whether people believe the outcomes of their actions are under their own control. When the orientation is internal, the belief is that effort, abilities, and decisions directly influence results, rather than luck or external forces. This mindset helps drive motivation because if you think your hard work will pay off, you’re more likely to invest effort, persist through challenges, and set purposeful goals. The other terms don’t capture this belief about personal influence over outcomes: self-determination centers on autonomy and intrinsic motivation, emotional contagion is about emotions spreading between people, and cross-cultural display rules concern how emotions are expressed in different cultures.