Inspecting the factors of individualizing and binding moral value orientation in the Moral Foundations Questionnaire-2 for validation—a re-analysis of data from pre-service teachers in Ghana
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: (MFQ-2), 36 items cover the dimensions of authority, care, equality, loyalty, proportionality, and purity, which contribute to people's individualizing and binding moral value orientation. So far, less research exists for the validation of the moral value structure in so-called non-WEIRD (western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) countries like Ghana. Thus, the question arises: what is the empirical structure of moral value orientations in Ghana, and is it possible to identify the factors of individualizing and binding moral value orientations in line with the theoretical framework?. Methods: We re-analyse data from 1,049 pre-service teachers at a university in Ghana that were gathered using a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling. Results: Our re-analyses provide first hints of construct validity as well as criterion validity with the criteria of gender and religiosity. The abovementioned six underlying dimensions could be seen as first-order factors. The assumption of individualizing and binding moral value orientations as second-order factors in the MFQ-2 is weakly supported. Discussion: Findings are reflected upon and discussed in terms of limitations. Further investigations in other populations of non-WEIRD countries are deemed necessary to evaluate the instrument for robustness.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
Authors: Steffen Wild, Daniel Fobi, Michélle Möhring
Institutions: TU Dortmund University, University of Education, Winneba
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4416730410