Comparative Investigation of Moral Values and Cognitive Beliefs of Students of Schools for the Gifted and Normal Schools in Bandar Abbas

Abstract

 

The purpose of this study was to compare moral values and cognitive beliefs of high school students of special and normal schools in Bandar Abbas. The present study was a causal-comparative descriptive study. The population of this study was all the students of normal and special (exemplary and gifted) schools in Bandar Abbas. Stratified random sampling with proper allocation was used. Cochran Formula was used in order to determine the sample of this study and thus 360 students were selected. 180 students were selected from normal schools and 180 were selected from special schools. In each group, there were 90 male and 90 female students. Lavel's Moral Values Questionnaire (1986) and Schommer Cognitive Beliefs Questionnaire (1990) were used for the data collection. The data were analyzed using two group Independent T-Test and One Way Analysis of Variance. The findings of this study showed that moral values of special students are significantly higher than moral values of normal students (P<0.001). In addition, cognitive beliefs of special students are significantly higher than cognitive beliefs of normal students (P<0.05). Special students were better than normal students with regard to the components of cognitive beliefs (simple knowledge, specific knowledge, the ability to interpret, quick learning, authority) (P<0.05). Thus, it can be concluded that especial students have higher moral values and cognitive beliefs in comparison with normal students.