The Use of Cartoon to Investigate the Acquisition of Values in Primary Education: Case of Solidarity Values

The purpose of this study is to examine the solidarity values of primary school students through using cartoons as assessment materials. The data were gathered from three different primary schools in Eskisehir in May 2008. The participants of the study were 207 primary school students, 120 of whom were 4th graders, whereas 87 of whom were 5th graders. The data collection tools included a worksheet with a cartoon and three open ended questions. The data were analyzed through using NVivo 7.0 Qualitative Data Analysis Software Program with constant comparison and descriptive analysis methods. The findings revealed that the participants’ perceptions based on the solidarity values show differences. Their perceptions related to the solidarity values were as follows; there should be solidarity in the case of problem solving, the outcomes of the solidarity behavior should not be negative, solidarity could be provided for the immediate interests (i.e., winning an election etc.), and solidarity could be provided in order to sustain discipline. Concerning the findings of the study, it can be claimed that cartoons could be used as an instrument to examine the cases inwhich social values, norms, and regulations are introduced in primary education.