Using Values Surveys to Investigate Perspectives
Big idea: A values survey is a research method used to understand what people believe, value, and prioritise.
In ESS, values surveys help us identify the environmental perspectives of a group — for example, whether they are more ecocentric, anthropocentric, or technocentric.
What is a values survey?
A values survey collects information by asking a set of questions to a sample of people. The goal is to understand the shared ideas, beliefs, attitudes, and values of the group.
These surveys often include statements about:
- Environment and sustainability
- Technology and development
- Government responsibility
- Religion and morality
- National identity and society
- Work, lifestyle, and priorities
Participants show how much they agree or disagree using a scale (for example, 1–5 or 1–7). Their answers reveal their environmental perspectives.
Examples of survey statements
- "Protecting nature should be more important than economic growth."
- "New technologies will solve most environmental problems."
- "Humans have the right to use natural resources as they wish."
- "The government should restrict industries that harm the environment."
By analysing responses, researchers can estimate whether a group leans toward:
🌿 Ecocentrism
- Nature-centred
- Environment has priority
⚙️ Technocentrism
- Technology-centred
- Innovation solves problems
Anthropocentrism (middle ground): Human-centred but supports sustainable management of resources through laws and policies.
Examples of real values surveys
World Values Survey (WVS)
A global research project exploring people's values and beliefs across nearly 100 countries. Includes questions on environmental attitudes, trust in institutions, and cultural values.
European Values Survey (EVS)
Surveys citizens across European countries about their values on family, work, religion, politics, and the environment. Helps track how European attitudes change over time.
Pew Global Attitudes Survey
Conducted by the Pew Research Center, this survey measures public opinion on major global issues including climate change, environmental policy, and sustainable development.
These international surveys help researchers understand how values differ across cultures, countries, and generations.
Why values surveys matter in ESS
- They reveal patterns in environmental beliefs within a community
- They help identify which worldview is dominant in a group
- They help explain public reactions to environmental policies
- They allow comparison between countries, schools, age groups, or cultures