The Relationship of the Dimension of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Actions in Climate Change Awareness in Senior High School Students in the Central Java region

Mohammad Umar Said(1*), Eko Yuliyanto(2), Endang Tri Wahyuni(3), Jun Karren V Caparoso(4)


(1) Faculty of Education and Humanities, Muhammadiyah Semarang University
(2) Faculty of Education and Humanities, Muhammadiyah Semarang University
(3) Faculty of Education and Humanities, Muhammadiyah Semarang University
(4) College Of Education, MSU-Iligan Institute Of Technology
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study aims to analyze the relationship between the dimensions of knowledge, attitudes, and actions related to climate change awareness in high school students in Central Java. The background of the research is based on the real threat of climate change in the region, such as permanent flash floods, which have not been balanced with adequate climate literacy. Using a quantitative approach, the study involved respondents from seven schools representing urban, mountainous, agricultural, and coastal geographical characteristics. Data was collected through a fivepoint Likert scale questionnaire that measures cognitive, affective, and conative aspects. Of the 432 respondents, 396 data were declared valid after going through data screening and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The results of the study showed that all dimensions had a positive and significant relationship. The strongest correlation was found between attitudes and actions (0.899), followed by knowledge and attitudes (0.849). The main findings reveal the phenomenon of "Knowledge-Action GAP", which is identified from the lowest correlation value between knowledge and action (0.618). This shows that theoretical knowledge does not automatically transform into real action without a bridge of attitude change and a strong emotional commitment. Therefore, environmental education needs to strengthen affective aspects and direct practice to narrow these gaps. Further research is recommended to expand the range of areas as well as use observation methods for more accurate measurements of actions.

Keywords


Climate Change; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; GAP Knowledge-Action; CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis)

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.26714/jps.14.1.2026.%25p

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