Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D Student in Educational Psychology , Faculty of Educational Sciencees and Psychology , Semnan University , Semnan , Iran
2 Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
3 Department of Educational Psychology , Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology , Semnan University , Semnan , Iran
Abstract
Moral intelligence is the ability to differ right from wrong, to have strong moral beliefs, and to do the right thing. Building moral intelligence in children from an early age is essential. Therefore we need to do baseline measurements, develop and implement intervention programs, and finally assess the effect of these programs on children’s moral intelligence. For this reason, the present study aimed to create and validate a moral intelligence questionnaire for children. From all the preschools and kindergartens of Shahroud, a cluster sample of 300 children was selected to complete the assessment tools. Factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the questionnaire, while convergent and divergent validity were assessed with Pearson correlation coefficient. Reliability was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha. Factor analysis results revealed that consistent with the theoretical foundations, Children’s Moral Intelligence Questionnaire (CMIQ) has a six-factor structure consisting of conscience, self-control, empathy, patience, justice, and respect. The convergent and divergent validity for CMIQ was examined via concurrent administration of KajbafNejad Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire for Children and Shahim’s Questionnaire for Behavioral Problems in Children, respectively. Both results were satisfactory. An overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92 indicated that CMIQ has high reliability and can be used for moral intelligence assessment in preschool and kindergarten children of 4 to 6 years old.
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