Locus of control is grounded in expectancy-value
theory, which describes human behavior as determined
by the perceived likelihood of an event or outcome
occurring contingent upon the behavior in question, and
the value placed on that event or outcome. More
specifically, expectancy-value theory states that if (a)
someone values a particular outcome and (b) that person
believes that taking a particular action will produce that
outcome, then (c) they are more likely to take that
particular action.