Environmental values as predictors of environmentally responsible behaviors: insights from Norwegian TIMSS 2023 results

Abstract Understanding students’ environmental values and behaviors is important for fostering sustainable practices through education. In this study, we investigated the measurement properties and structural relationships of the Students Value Environmental Preservation and Environmentally Responsible Behaviors scales from Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023 within the Norwegian context, using data from students in Grades 5 and 9. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the hypothesized factor structure of both scales, indicating good reliability and validity. Multigroup CFA established partial measurement invariance across genders and showed that girls score significantly higher on environmental values and environmentally responsible behaviors than boys, with the gender gap more pronounced in Grade 9. In a series of structural equation models, we demonstrated that environmental values are a strong, consistent predictor of environmentally responsible behaviors across grades and gender. In contrast, science achievement showed weak or negative associations with responsible behaviors, particularly for Grade 9 boys, suggesting that academic success in science does not necessarily translate into pro-environmental behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating environmental values as a foundation for responsible behaviors and underscore the need for gender-responsive science education that connects values with real-world applications.