UNVEILING THE INFLUENCES ON MORAL JUDGMENT: A STUDY OF GRADE 9 STUDENTS IN ODISHA CONSIDERING BOARD OF STUDIES, SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS, INTELLIGENCE, AND GENDER

This study investigates the influences on moral judgment among Grade 9 students in Odisha, focusing on the impact of educational board affiliation (BSE vs. CBSE), socio-economic status (SES), intelligence, and gender. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 810 students across Bhadrak and Balasore districts. The Defining Issues Test (DIT) and General Mental Ability Test were employed to assess moral judgment and cognitive abilities, respectively. The findings reveal significant differences in moral judgment based on educational board affiliation, with CBSE students exhibiting higher mean scores compared to BSE students. Socio-economic status also emerged as a significant predictor, with students from higher SES backgrounds demonstrating more advanced moral reasoning. Intelligence was found to be a crucial factor, with higher cognitive abilities correlating with more sophisticated moral judgments. However, no significant gender differences were observed in moral judgment levels. This comprehensive analysis highlights the need for tailored educational interventions that consider these diverse factors. The study underscores the importance of refining curricula and pedagogical approaches to support ethical development, particularly in socio-economically diverse settings. The insights gained can guide educators and policymakers in creating more equitable and effective educational practices, fostering holistic moral and cognitive growth among students