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This study evaluates the Locus of Control short scale (IE-4) for its dimensionality and acquiescence bias in the German population.

July 5, 2026Open Access

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

KPKatja PetrowskiJohannes Gutenberg University Mainz JDJulian DuhmJohannes Gutenberg University Mainz VRVanessa RennerJohannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Key Points

This study evaluates the Locus of Control short scale (IE-4) for its dimensionality and acquiescence bias in the German population.
Sample size of 2522 from the German adult population, representative of gender, age, and education.
Conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with an uncorrelated method factor to assess model fit and bias.
Evaluated reliability of the IE-4 scale.
CFA results indicated a good model fit for the IE-4 scale.
The IE-4 measure is best interpreted as unifactorial when accounting for acquiescence bias.
Good reliability was established.

Abstract

Abstract 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.

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