Prediction of Academic Achievement in a Simulation Mode via Personality Constructs

Locus of Control (Rotter, 1966) and Interpersonal Trust (Rotter, 1967) were used as predictors of academic achievement in a college level simulation course. Multiple criterion measures (including team performance, peer ratings, announced exams and unannounced quizzes) were used to assess the predictive accuracy of Locus of Control and Interpersonal Trust. Neither construction successfully discriminated between high and low performances on any of the multiple criterion. The findings of this research call to question the usage of either construct in an attempt to predict college level academic performance.