Researching students’ image of geography: Developing a questionnaire survey

KORVASOVÁ, Veronika. Researching students’ image of geography: Developing a questionnaire survey. J-Reading: Journal of Research and Didactics in Geography. Italy: Edizioni Nuova Cultura, 2023, vol. 2, No 2023, p. 151-168. ISSN 2281-4310. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.4458/6083-11.

Basic information

• Original name: Researching students’ image of geography: Developing a questionnaire survey
• Authors: KORVASOVÁ, Veronika (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution).
• Edition: J-Reading: Journal of Research and Didactics in Geography, Italy, Edizioni Nuova Cultura, 2023, 2281-4310.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Article in a journal
• Field of Study: 50301 Education, general; including training, pedagogy, didactics [and education systems]
• Country of publisher: Italy
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: URL
• RIV identification code: RIV/00216224:14410/23:00132587
• Organization unit: Faculty of Education
• Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4458/6083-11
• Keywords in English: Image of Geography; Students; Questionnaire; Geography Education
• Tags: International impact, Reviewed

Abstract

This methodological study developed and validated a 42-item questionnaire to explore an image of geography from the students’ perspective. The study aimed to (a) outline the questionnaire’s theoretical background, (b) confirm its reliability, (c) and verify its construct validity on a sample of 123 Czech lower secondary students (aged 12–15 years). The dimensions of the questionnaire were as follows: the usefulness of geography, teaching methods, geography teacher, and family background. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, item analysis, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). After solving the challenges associated with the empirical validation of the items, the findings indicated that the final version of the questionnaire is suitable for exploring the image of geography. The reliability of all subscales exceeded 0.75. The preliminary results suggested that Czech students’ perception of geography is relatively neutral. Further uses of the tool, suggestions for future research, and study limitations were also discussed.

Links

• EF19_073/0016943, research and development project: Name: Interní grantová agentura Masarykovy univerzity
• MUNI/IGA/1144/2020, interní kód MU: Name: Image of geography from the pupil’s perspective: Design of a research tool and its operationalization

Investor: Masaryk University