Attitudes towards the natural environment : a survey

Abstract

A survey of the attitudes towards the natural environment of fourth and fifth formers attending local state Secondary Schools and Junior Lyceums was conducted using a purposely-constructed attitude questionnaire in Maltese using a Likert scale. A pilot study was carried out to select the most discriminating items, which were then used in the final version of the questionnaire. In all 484 pupils participated in this survey, 298 girls and 186 boys. Pupils coming from the six regions of our Islands were represented in the sample. The responses obtained were analysed by gender, form, type of school, regions, choice of subject, and membership of voluntary organisations. The results show that on the whole, Form 4 and Form 5 pupils (14 -16 year olds) have a very positive attitude towards the natural environment (mean global score = 79.93). Gender, type of school attended, and subjects studied (i.e. science / non-science) are significant factors which produce differences in attitude. The form attended is not a differentiating factor. The region where the pupils come from influences attitude, especially in the case of Gozitan pupils who show a significantly less positive attitude. Members and non-members of voluntary organisations do not show significantly different attitudes, although certain organisations seem to contribute considerably to the formation of attitudes towards environmental issues.