Geographic Literacy and Moral Formation among University Students

This study extends analysis of geographic literacy further by examining the relationship ofgeographic knowledge with the primary goal of geographic educators–cultivation of culturalunderstanding and moral sensitivity for global citizenry. The main aim is to examine contributorsto moral formation during the university years based on a survey data gathered from 323 universitystudents using a place identification quiz, relevant demographic data and two measures of moraldevelopment. Multivariate techniques are used to assess the strength of relationships betweenlevels of moral formation and a variety of variables. Geographic knowledge is found to besignificant predictor of moral development. Significant relationships also exist between moralformation and more work hours among students, fewer hours of television watched per week, andhigher university class level. Responses to the measures of moral development confirm thatwomen perceive and interpret moral situations in fundamentally different ways than do most men.Additional data analysis identifies important interaction between gender and travel amount suchthat women show a greater average difference between travelers and those that have not travelledthan do males.