The purpose of this study was first to determine what criteria could be used on a behavioral scale to evaluate the profoundly retarded, and then to acquire some data bearing on the reliability and validity of a scale based on such criteria.

This thesis proposes three hypotheses: first, that persons with a high generalized expectancy for internal control of reinforcement will react to many of life's situations in a problem-solving or need-persistent way; second, that those persons high in the belief of external control will be more extra-punitive in their reactions to frustrating situations; third, that persons with a high belief in internal control of reinforcement are more ready to learn in chance situations.