For SL and HL ESS, subtopic 1.1 Perspectives, design a values survey by defining a focused issue, selecting a representative sample, writing neutral questions, and analysing how responses reveal values and perspectives. It should be ethical, reliable, and comparable between social groups.
A values survey investigates principles people consider important. These shape a perspective, meaning how someone views and understands an issue, influenced by culture, science, religion, economics, laws, and lived experience.
| Design stage | Action | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Define aim | State the issue, population, and comparison groups. | Compare residents’ and tourists’ views on Great Barrier Reef access restrictions. |
| Sample participants | Use random or stratified sampling; avoid convenience-only samples. | Randomly sample adult residents and tourists. |
| Write questions | Use clear, neutral wording; avoid leading or double-barrelled items. | Avoid: “Do you support the necessary ban on harmful tourism?” |
| Measure values | Combine closed and open questions. | Five-point Likert scale item: “Tourist access should be restricted to protect coral reefs.” |
| Protect participants | Gain informed consent; ensure anonymity, withdrawal, and data minimisation. | Explain the purpose before participation. |
| Pilot | Test a small group; revise ambiguity. | Replace misunderstood technical terms. |
| Analyse | Calculate frequencies or percentages; compare groups. | Use quotations to explain reasoning. |
A Likert scale can run from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Open responses reveal why participants chose an option, while group comparisons show how social context may influence perspectives.
Interpret patterns using the technocentric, anthropocentric, and ecocentric spectrum, but do not force respondents into fixed categories. An environmental value system is a model showing inputs affecting perspectives and outputs resulting from them.
Common misconception: a values survey identifies the objectively “correct” opinion. It identifies patterns; sampling, wording, non-response, and social-desirability bias limit validity and representativeness.
Exam technique: explain each design choice and evaluate validity, reliability, representativeness, and ethics. For evaluate, weigh strengths and limitations before a supported conclusion.
