Values Surveys
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.
Survey statements
Examples of survey statements
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
These international surveys help researchers understand how values differ across cultures, countries, and generations.
Why values surveys matter in ESS
Summary - VS
- Values surveys collect information about beliefs, attitudes, and priorities.
- They help classify groups into ecocentric, anthropocentric, or technocentric.
- Widely used in ESS to understand environmental perspectives.
- Useful for comparing cultures, communities, and generations.