Psychometricre-evaluation of the locus of control short scale (IE-4) in the German general population: evidence of acquiescence bias

The Locus of Control short scale (IE-4) is a screening instrument for locus of control (LOC). Assessment of LOC is highly relevant within psychological research and social sciences. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the screening tool in a large representative sample, with special focus on its dimensionality and the presence of acquiescence bias. The current sample (N = 2522; Age: M = 48.50 years (SD = 17.75); 50.1% female) was representative for the German adult population with respect to gender, age, and education. After conducting a CFA including an uncorrelated method factor, model fit indices generally indicated a good fit. Additionally, we found evidence of good reliability. Results from this study suggest that the IE-4 is best considered as a unifactorial measure when accounting for acquiescence bias.