Social Desirability Response in School Values Surveys: Causes, Manifestations, and Control

doi:10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2024.06.005

Abstract

Abstract:

The social desirability response in school values surveys is a fundamental issue that has long troubled both the surveys themselves and values education in schools. The generation of this social desirability response is primarily due to students’ understanding and cognition of social values and cultural norms, which lead them to present themselves in a way that conforms to societal expectations on the surface, but their actual behavior is inconsistent with their internal identity. In terms of its manifestation, the social desirability response is positively correlated with values that conform to societal norms, but further research is needed to confirm whether students’ responses are based on genuine values preferences or simply compliance with norms. Furthermore, when it comes to controversial and conflicting ethical and moral issues, students tend to make responses that align with norms in order to maintain their self-esteem and reputation, which seriously affects the validity and reliability of research. In order to effectively control social desirability response in school values surveys, we can draw on modern scale development and statistical measurement techniques, and develop measurement tools that reflect the unique cultural characteristics of China.

Key words: values education, values survey, social desirability, social desirability scale

Xiaomin Sheng, Zhongying Shi. Social Desirability Response in School Values Surveys: Causes, Manifestations, and Control[J]. Journal of East China Normal University(Educational Sciences), 2024, 42(6): 51-60.

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