Perceptions of Social Values among Middle School Students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the perceptions of social values among middle school students with respect to several variables (gender, grade level, educational level of mother, and educational level of father). Data were collected from 242 students on a volunteer basis at a state school during the academic year of 2014-2015. The study was based on a descriptive screening model and data collection instruments were “Personal Information Form” prepared by the researchers and “Perceptions of Social Values Scale” developed by Bakaç (2013). Data analysis was conducted with the appropriate statistical techniques using IBM SPSS 21.0 Results of the study indicated that middle school students had positive perceptions of social values at the level of “definitely agree”. The study also suggested that perceptions of social values among middle school students did not differ according to their gender but it differed according to grade level, educational level of mother, and educational level of father. Finally, several recommendations were put forth in light of the findings.

Keywords: Values education, social values, perception, social studies.