Description of the Questionnaire

The 2-MEV (Two Major Environmental Values) questionnaire is an internationally recognized and standardized tool for assessing environmental attitudes, particularly among adolescents and young people. It is based on the theoretical premise that environmental values are divided into two independent dimensions: Preservation, which represents a biocentric orientation and a positive attitude toward the protection of the natural environment, and Utilization, which expresses an anthropocentric orientation and the use of natural resources for the satisfaction of human needs. The questionnaire includes twenty statements (ten for each dimension), and respondents are asked to answer using a five-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree).

Data Analysis and Use

The data collected through the questionnaire are analyzed separately for each of the two dimensions. The average score of the ten items corresponding to Preservation and the average score of the ten Utilization items are calculated. These two indices are interpreted independently, as the dimensions are orthogonal (statistically uncorrelated). A high score in Preservation indicates a positive environmental attitude and awareness, while a high score in Utilization is associated with a tendency toward the exploitation of natural resources. The data can be used in correlation with other psychometric tools, in variance or regression analyses, and in studies of environmental behavior.

Use of Data

The results of the questionnaire can be utilized for research, educational, and diagnostic purposes. In the context of educational research, they provide insight into how environmental values are shaped in different age, social, or cultural groups. Additionally, they can be used for the design and evaluation of environmental awareness education programs, as well as for the formulation of environmental education policies. It is also important that the tool can be integrated into broader psychological and social measurement questionnaires.

Purpose

The main purpose of the questionnaire is to investigate the fundamental value orientations related to an individual’s environmental attitudes. Recording the tendency toward preservation or utilization of the environment offers an interpretative framework for understanding intentions and possible behaviors related to human interaction with nature. At the same time, the tool helps clarify the cognitive, emotional, and moral dimensions involved in shaping environmental consciousness.

Calibration

Calibration of the questionnaire is done by calculating the individual average scores for each of the two dimensions. For the Preservation dimension, high scores (close to 5) indicate strongly positive environmental attitudes, while for the Utilization dimension, high scores suggest a predisposition toward exploitation and dominance over nature. Responses are evaluated quantitatively, but also allow for qualitative interpretation, especially when used alongside other research tools. The instrument has been validated for reliability and construct validity through factor analysis and demonstrates satisfactory internal consistency.

References

Kaiser, F. G., & Wilson, M. (2004). Goal-directed conservation behavior: The specific composition of a general performance. Personality and Individual Differences, 36(7), 1531–1544.
Bogner, F. X., & Wiseman, M. (2006). Adolescents’ attitudes towards nature and environment: Quantifying the 2-MEV model. The Environmentalist, 26(4), 247–254.
Kaiser, F. G. (1998). A general measure of ecological behavior. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 28(5), 395–422.
Milfont, T. L., & Duckitt, J. (2010). The environmental attitudes inventory: A valid and reliable measure to assess the structure of environmental attitudes. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(1), 80–94.