Existing theories on Altruism include the evolutionary theory composing on the theory of natural selection and the kin selection theory. Theory of natural selection proposes that genes are able form traits which could develop the system of delivering benefits to other individuals. The theory of kin selection explains how individuals gain benefits through reproduction of relatives and from their own reproduction. On the other hand, a separate theory, the theory of rational choice explains altruistic behavior as measurable by the preferences of the individual. These theories are critiqued according to the problems they pose which affect how altruism evolved and developed. An alternative theory is proposed in examining how altruism is viewed among individuals using the locus of control theory by Julian Rotter. The conceptual and methodological assumptions of using locus of control in research are discussed.
Table of Contents
1. Evolutionary Theory: Natural Selection and Benefit delivery
2. Kin Selection theory
3. Critique on evolutionary theory and kin selection theory
4. Theory of Rational Choice and Altruism
5. Critique on Rational Choice Theory
6. Locus of Control Theory
7. Literature Review on Locus of Control
8. Alternative Theory: Locus of Control
9. Methodological Framework
10. Research Design and Methodology
Research Objectives & Key Themes
This research paper aims to evaluate altruistic behavior through the lens of Julian Rotter's Locus of Control theory, offering it as an alternative framework to traditional evolutionary and rational choice models. The study seeks to determine if there is a measurable difference in altruistic engagement based on an individual's internal or external orientation regarding control over life events.
- Theoretical evaluation of natural selection and kin selection in altruism
- Critique of rational choice theory as a behavioral predictor
- Analysis of the Locus of Control as a framework for social behavior
- Investigation of the correlation between internal/external locus and altruistic tendencies
- Qualitative methodology utilizing interviews and focus groups
Excerpt from the Book
Locus of Control Theory
Locus of control is also called internal versus external control of reinforcement. According to Rotter (1966), locus of control refers to how an individual believe in his ability to control life events. Mark (1998) stated that individuals with an external locus of control may perceive events to be controlled by luck, fate, chance or, in other words, outcomes are related to external factors beyond his control. On the other hand, individual with an internal locus of control believes that outcomes are related to his behavior and has the ability to change their behaviors followed by reinforcements.
Summary of Chapters
Evolutionary Theory: Natural Selection and Benefit delivery: Explains how altruism evolves as a biological trait through natural selection to enhance reproductive success.
Kin Selection theory: Discusses Hamilton’s rule, illustrating how altruistic behavior is favored when relatedness and benefits outweigh the associated costs.
Critique on evolutionary theory and kin selection theory: Analyzes the limitations and debates surrounding inclusive fitness, highlighting issues with gene-based altruism and the role of reciprocity.
Theory of Rational Choice and Altruism: Examines the view that individuals act rationally based on specific preferences and how personality traits serve as proxies for these preferences.
Critique on Rational Choice Theory: addresses criticisms regarding circular reasoning and the difficulty in isolating true motivation from socially desirable answers.
Locus of Control Theory: Defines the core concepts of internal versus external control and their impact on how individuals interpret life events.
Literature Review on Locus of Control: Reviews existing research on how locus of control influences academic performance, flow states, and responses to stereotype threats.
Alternative Theory: Locus of Control: Synthesizes the previous theoretical discussion to introduce Locus of Control as a novel way to interpret altruistic motivations.
Methodological Framework: Outlines the research questions focused on the variance in altruistic behavior between high and low internal locus of control groups.
Research Design and Methodology: Details a qualitative approach involving interviews and focus groups to classify participants and explore their views on altruism.
Keywords
Altruism, Locus of Control, Natural Selection, Kin Selection, Rational Choice, Social Behavior, Reciprocity, Internal Control, External Control, Psychology, Qualitative Research, Evolutionary Theory, Behavioral Science, Personality Traits, Reinforcement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper primarily focuses on examining altruism through the alternative theoretical framework of Julian Rotter's Locus of Control, moving beyond traditional evolutionary or rational choice explanations.
What are the primary theoretical themes discussed?
The study covers the evolutionary theory (natural selection and kin selection), rational choice theory, and the Locus of Control theory.
What is the main objective of the proposed study?
The objective is to explore whether an individual's locus of control—whether they perceive outcomes as controlled internally or externally—correlates with their altruistic behavior.
What research methodology is suggested?
The author proposes a qualitative research design involving the use of a Locus of Control Scale to categorize participants, followed by individual interviews and focus group discussions.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body critiques existing theories of altruism, reviews literature regarding the impact of locus of control on various life outcomes, and establishes a methodological framework for testing these concepts.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include Altruism, Locus of Control, Natural Selection, Reciprocity, Rational Choice, and Qualitative Research.
How does an "internal locus of control" differ from an "external" one regarding altruism?
Individuals with an internal locus of control believe they can personally impact outcomes through their behavior, whereas those with an external locus attribute events to luck or fate, potentially influencing their motivation to help others.
Why does the author critique the rational choice theory?
The author argues that rational choice theory is often circular and struggles to distinguish between genuine altruistic motivation and socially desirable responses provided by individuals.
How does this paper relate to the work of David Lewallen?
The paper intends to build upon and compare its qualitative findings with the quantitative data gathered by David Lewallen (2012) regarding the correlation between altruism and locus of control.
Why are focus groups used in the methodology?
Focus groups are suggested to gather deeper qualitative insights into the views and personal experiences regarding altruism among participants categorized by their internal or external locus of control.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Luke Gelvoligaya (Autor:in), 2012, Locus of control as an alternative theory in viewing altruism, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/280132
