Qatar University’s (QU) College of Arts and Sciences has announced the results of a study focused on identifying and validating a unique set of Arab values within the Qatari cultural context.
This research, spearheaded by Maha Hussain al-Qahtani, bachelor of psychology with a minor in sociology, and under the supervision of Dr Youssef Hasan, research associate professor of psychology, the College of Arts and Sciences at QU, represents a significant advancement in understanding the intricate value systems that shape individual and societal behaviours in Qatar.
The study draws from three pivotal scales developed in different cultural contexts. The Asian Values Scale emphasises conformity with Norms, Family Recognition, Emotional Self-Control, Collectivism, Humility, and Filial Piety. The Latino Values Scale focuses on Cultural Pride, Sympathy, Family and Spirituality. The American Values Scale differentiates between Dignity, Face, and Honour, substantiating their cultural benchmarks.
The preliminary study administered a social representation questionnaire to 130 Qatari citizens. Participants listed and prioritised seven words that they associate with values, evaluating their emotional intensity.
This process identified 13 prevalent values, forming the basis for developing the scale items. The validation study distributed a comprehensive questionnaire, incorporating the Arab Values Scale, Asian Values Scale, and Latino Values Scale, to 186 Qatari residents. This phase aimed to establish correlations between the scales, enhancing the reliability and validity of the Arab Values Scale.
Correlations between the Arab Values Scale and the Asian and Latino scales were observed, particularly with customs and traditions. However, the bravery factor showed no correlation, highlighting its unique significance in Arab culture.
The research concluded a set of factors that constitute an Arab Values Scale in the Qatari environment. The Arab Values scale is distinguished by containing factors that were not included in the other scales, such as bravery and honesty, which indicates their importance as concepts connected to the Arab culture.
Maha Hussain al-Qahtani
