Exploratory Cluster Analysis Research Articles

“When my teacher quits, I’ll quit too.” – A mixed methods study on trust and (dis-)continuation in adult basic education

ABSTRACT Democratic values and social cohesion face challenges globally, affecting education access and participation. Global education policies aim to reduce barriers, particularly in literacy and adult basic education (ABE). Low literacy levels correlate with decreased social trust and stigmatisation, hindering further education enrolment due to associated shame. Trust emerges as a pivotal need among learners, facilitating enrolment bridged by trusted individuals, and enhancing the emotional value of participation. This study investigates the role of interpersonal trust in course (dis)continuation in the field of literacy and ABE. It explores clusters of learners based on generalised and particularised trust, examining how trust influences course continuation. Survey data was collected from 79 ABE learners in Germany and an exploratory cluster analysis was conducted. In-depth interviews with 8 active learners were matched with the results of the cluster analysis and were further qualitatively analysed. The analysis revealed two distinct learner clusters determined by trust levels. Findings underline the relevance of trust in drop-out decisions, both intra-individually and interpersonally. This study seeks to contribute to the discourse on the role of trust in drop-out and retention, thus aligning with the goal of enhancing social participation through basic education.

Why are you cleaning beaches? A study on motivations of volunteer beach cleaners

Volunteers who clean beaches play a vital role in easing the harmful impact marine litter has on the environment. Understanding why people volunteer to clean beaches is important as it will help to predict the quality and quantity of participation. This study examines what motivates volunteers in beach clean-ups and identified different groups of volunteers based on their motivation. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively which included exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis, and thematic analysis. Four motivations were found in the factor analysis: environmental values, recreation, social interaction, and career and personal growth. Furthermore, the thematic analysis revealed two additional motivations: hopelessness and aesthetics. Four different volunteer segments were validated, indicating that volunteers are motivated to participate in beach clean-ups for several reasons. This study provides an understanding of motivations for a previously under-researched group of volunteers and will guide organisations to recruit and retain volunteers.

Segmented assimilation trajectories of physician trust among internal migrants in Shanghai, China: A cross-sectional study

Physician trust is necessary for improving physician–patient relationships and maintaining an effective health-care system. Most studies on the theory of segmentation assimilation have mainly focused on comparing immigrants in different countries and few studies have applied segmented assimilation to clarify physician–patient relationships, especially physician trust among internal migrants in the context of Chinese megacities. A random sample of 1200 internal migrants was collected through an online questionnaire conducted in Shanghai from August to December 2021. An exploratory K-means cluster analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify patterns of segmented assimilation and examine their relationships with physician trust, as well as the factors influencing physician trust among internal migrants in Shanghai. Results show four main patterns were revealed, namely first-generation classic assimilation, first-generation integrative assimilation, first-generation segmentation, and second-generation underclass assimilation, supporting the theory of segmented assimilation. Association between assimilation pattern and physician trust was observed. A relationship was found between assimilation patterns and trust in physicians. Migrants belonging to the first-generation classic and integrative assimilation groups exhibited a higher level of trust in doctors compared to those in the segmented assimilation groups. Additionally, undergraduate and postgraduate education attainment, an annual income of <400 000 yuan, visiting the physician ≥2 times in the past year, and self-rated health status before and after population floating were significant contributing factors for good physician trust. The government can implement corresponding measures to maintain physician trust, improve cultural adaptability instead of only at the economic level among internal migrants, achieving the facilitation of their understanding of the health system and health service utilization to increase physician trust.

A methodological proposal for a social and multivariate analysis in peri-urban areas during the ‘golden age’ of suburbanisation in Andalusia (Spain)1

We apply social area analysis, traditionally used for intra-urban areas of cities, to a space in transformation: the peri-urban fringes of Andalusia (Spain). We also show that multivariate analysis (both exploratory factorial analysis and cluster analysis) is highly adaptable for use in peri-urban areas in the region. The suitability of exploratory factor analysis is confirmed, as it allows an optimal factorial structure for the spatial microanalysis of urban sections, which are the smallest units with official statistical information in Spain. This is done in order to reduce a large number of indicators to four factors: youth and recent urban expansion, traditional rural society, suburban society and residential recreational function. On the other hand, the last step, the cluster analysis, identifies that the phenomenon of suburbanisation was relevant in the region but was not the majority in the whole of the peri-urban fringes at the beginning of the millennium. From the factorial score of these clusters, it is possible to know the level of intensity of suburbanisation at one of the moments when suburbanisation was at its peak in Andalusia (Spain), just before the Great Recession.

Parafoveal letter identification in Russian: Confusion matrices based on error rates.

In the present study, we introduce parafoveal letter confusion matrices for the Russian language, which uses the Cyrillic script. To ensure that our confusion rates reflect parafoveal processing and no other effects, we employed an adapted boundary paradigm (Rayner, 1975) that prevented the participants from directly fixating the letter stimuli. Additionally, we assessed confusability under isolated and word-like (crowded) conditions using two modern fonts, since previous research showed that letter recognition depended on crowding and font (Coates, 2015; Pelli et al., 2006). Our additional goal was to gain insight into what letter features or configurational patterns might be essential for letter recognition in Russian; thus, we conducted exploratory clustering analysis on visual confusion scores to identify groups of similar letters. To support this analysis, we conducted a comprehensive review of over 20 studies that proposed crucial properties of Latin letters relevant to character perception. The summary of this review is valuable not only for our current study but also for future research in the field.

Health and school difficulties of children in foster care in the experience of their foster parents

The period of compulsory school attendance is a mentally very challenging period for children in foster care, which can be impacted by complex developmental trauma stemming from the child's experience in foster care with cumulative and chronic traumatic events in his/her biological family. These events have taken place over a long period of time in interpersonal relationships usually related to caregivers, in the form of abandonment of the child by the caregiver, changing caregivers, lack of safe space and necessary support for the child from the family and school, and/or deficiencies in the provision of coordinated health and social care for both the child and the foster parents. The paper presents research findings supported by a statistical analysis of health and school difficulties in children in foster care related to their school attendance. The purpose of the research was to support the quality and coordination of services of non-profit organizations providing social, health and educational services to foster families and their children during school attendance to support the school success and well-being of children. The study was implemented as part of a dissertation at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice in the Czech Republic on the topic of promotion of the health, social and psychological well-being of school-aged children in the context of their school and family environment. The authors carried out a questionnaire survey in the Czech Republic among a selected sample of respondents, who were foster parents of children aged 6 to 15 attending primary school in the Pardubice Region. In a total sample of 102 respondents, we identified two different groups. One group – 64 respondents with healthy children and another group – 38 respondents with children with health difficulties. The aim of the research was to compare the assessments of the intensity of school difficulties of children in foster care in groups of respondents with or without a child with health difficulties or mental illness in their foster care. The hypothesis of a difference in assessments of school difficulties in children with/without health difficulties was formulated and statistically tested (H0: ratings of the intensity of difficulties are the same in both groups). Statistical testing of the hypothesis utilised the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test with the test results being significant at the level of significance p&lt;0.05. Correlation was observed for each difficulty and exploratory cluster analysis shows their interrelationships. The study results according to the foster parents' assessment show a high intensity of difficulties of school-aged children in foster care in their inclusion in the classroom in establishing relationships with classmates (p-value =0.9), in a negative attitude towards learning and lack of motivation to learn (p-value =0.7) experiencing nervousness, internal tension and staying focused when learning. In addition, when comparing the groups of respondents with healthy children and children who have health difficulties/mental illness, there was a statistically significantly higher intensity of difficulties in the group of respondents with children with health difficulties when doing prep work for the classes (p-value =0.00075).

Factors associated with intent to stay in the profession: an exploratory cluster analysis across healthcare professions in Switzerland.

Retention issues are widespread within the health workforce. This cross-sectional study used data collected from 1707 healthcare professionals in 2022-23 to identify with k-means clustering groups of individuals sharing similar working experiences. These profiles were linked with varying levels of turnover intentions and a range of healthcare professions. While occupational therapists and paramedics reported in average better working conditions, registered nurses and intermediate caregivers reported the poorest experiences. In other clusters, salaries were high where work-life balance was low, and inversely. By learning from similarities and differences in the working conditions of diverse healthcare professionals, shared initiatives aimed at improving retention across professions can be facilitated.

Student's Behavior Clustering based on Ubiquitous Learning Log Data using Unsupervised Machine Learning

Online learning is the source of data generation related to learner's learning behaviors, which is valuable for knowledge discovery. Existing research emphasized more on an understanding of student's performance and achievement from learning log data. In this study, we presented data-driven learning behavior clustering in authentic learning context to understand students' behavior while participating in the learning process. The objective of the study is to distinguish students according to their learning behavior characteristics and identify clusters of students at risk of unsuccessful learning achievement. Learning log data were collected from ubiquitous learning applications before conducting Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) and cluster analysis. We used partitional clustering using K-means algorithm and hierarchical clustering based on the agglomerative method to improve clustering strategies. The result of this study revealed three different clusters of students supported by data visualization techniques. Cluster 1 comprised more students with active learning behavior based on the total logs, total problems posed, and the total attempts in fraction operation and simplification. Students in clusters 2 and 3 had a higher attempt at problem-solving instead of problem-posing. Both clusters also focused on fraction's conceptual understanding. Knowledge discovery of this study used real data generated from ubiquitous learning application namely U-Fraction. We combined two different types of clustering method for delivering more accurate portrait of a student's hidden learning behaviors. The outcome of this study can be a basis for educational stakeholders to provide preventive learning strategies tailored to a different cluster of students.

Recognizing Patterns of Nature Contact Associated with Well-Being: An Exploratory Cluster Analysis.

Statement of Problem: Progressive urbanization has reduced human interactions with nature, raising concerns about its impact on mental well-being. Previous research has often focused on specific aspects of nature contact, neglecting its multifaceted dimensions and their effects on mental health, particularly in developing countries. Research Gap: There is a scarcity of studies exploring the comprehensive dimensions of nature contact, such as frequency, duration, intensity, and space naturalness, and their correlation with mental well-being in developing countries' urban settings. Purpose: This study aims to identify patterns of nature contact related to mental well-being in metropolitan areas of Brazil using exploratory cluster analysis, bridging the existing knowledge gap and informing targeted interventions to enhance mental health through nature contact. Method: An online survey collected data from 2136 participants in Brazil's metropolitan areas, focusing on their nature interaction patterns and mental health status using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), hierarchical clustering with p-values via multiscale bootstrap resampling, and analysis of variance. Results and Conclusions: Three distinct groups were identified, showing varied patterns of nature contact and demographic profiles. Greater and more frequent nature contact was associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These findings suggest a beneficial relationship between nature contact and mental well-being. Practical Implications: The results underline the importance of urban planning and public health policies that facilitate access to natural spaces, highlighting socioeconomic factors as significant barriers to this access. Future Directions: Further research should explore causal relationships and consider the specific realities and challenges faced by residents of developing nations.

Linking School Culture to Successful Curriculum Reform

This study focused on the connection between organisational school culture and the success of curriculum reform. Utilizing a sample of 348 teachers in 25 Swiss schools, we investigated how different school culture types correlate with teachers’ perceived success of the current process of implementing the “Media and Information Literacy” curriculum. We found that the school culture type Clan is the most dominant across the schools and found a negative connection between the school culture type Hierarchy and teachers’ perceived reform success. An exploratory cluster analysis was used to identify further profiles of school culture that were not based on the dominant culture but were determined based on the distribution of mean values. Two other profiles were identified in a further procedure: Collegial Associates and Competitive Organisations. These results thus fill a gap in the previous research on school culture that had particularly set out to identify the dominant school culture. Based on the results, we cannot only confirm the validity of the Organisational Culture Assessment Instrument for Swiss schools but also give indications as to which characteristics of school culture types are hindering the perceived success of curriculum reforms from the teachers’ points of view.

The effect of VR on fine motor performance by older adults: a comparison between real and virtual tasks

Virtual Reality (VR) technology has the potential to support the aging population and improve testing of daily abilities to detect functional decline. In multiple research studies, VR performance of participants has been assessed by measuring time to complete test, but the effect of learning how to use the VR system and differences between real and virtual environments have been understudied, especially for fine motor tasks. In this study, 20 older adults ages 65–84 performed a task that required fine motor skills in real-life and then in a VR replica of the same task. All participants completed the task in each setting with no difficulties. A clear learning effect was observed in VR, which was attributed to learning how to use the device itself. Still, participants could not reach the same level of performance (time) in VR as in real-life. Participants rated the VR task more mentally and physically demanding than in real-life, as well as more stressful, but with an overall low cognitive demand. In an exploratory cluster analysis, participants with an average age of 69 years old had more technological devices, found the VR system more usable and realistic than participants in the group with an average of 76 years old. This study demonstrated that VR influences time to complete a fine motor task, and that learning effects related to the system could be confounded with actual task performance if not properly considered in VR studies with older adults.

The perceived impacts of short-term rental platforms: Comparing the United States and United Kingdom

Short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb have enjoyed considerable success in recent years. However, critics accuse the platforms of having negative impacts, leading to gentrification, disruption, and increased rent and house prices. While research has investigated actual impacts of short-term rental platforms, we lack systematic, generalizable, and comparative evidence on the perceived impacts of such platforms, especially from a social exchange perspective and on a country level. To address these shortcomings, we conducted a representative survey in the US and UK with a holistic set of perceived impacts. Using social exchange theory (SET) and applying a range of multi-variate statistical analyses, such as exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis and discriminant analysis, we systematically compare these two contexts. The findings indicate that US residents assess short-term rental platforms more positively than UK residents, especially for recreational, amenities-oriented and economic impacts. Among respondents who have used short-term rental platforms as guests, the perceptions are more alike between the two countries, suggesting a homogenization effect. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the results.

The Influence of Pain Hypersensitivity and Psychological Factors on Pain and Disability in the Transition From Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain: A Longitudinal Exploratory Investigation and Cluster Analysis

Pain hypersensitivity is present in some people with acute low back pain (LBP) and thought to be involved in the development of chronic LBP. Early evidence suggests that pain hypersensitivity in acute LBP precedes poor long-term outcome. We aimed to examine whether the presence of pain hypersensitivity in acute LBP influenced recovery status at 6 months and differentiated how pain and disability changed over time. Participants with acute nonspecific LBP (<6 weeks after pain onset, N = 118) were included in this longitudinal study. Quantitative sensory testing, including pressure and heat pain thresholds, and conditioned pain modulation and questionnaires were compared at baseline and longitudinally (at 3 and 6 months) between recovered and unrecovered participants. Using k-means clustering, we identified subgroups based on baseline sensory measures alone, and in combination with psychological factors, and compared pain and disability outcomes between subgroups. Sensory measures did not differ at baseline or longitudinally between recovered (N = 50) and unrecovered (N = 68) participants. Subgrouping based on baseline sensory measures alone did not differentiate pain or disability outcomes at any timepoint. Participants with high psychological distress at baseline (N = 19) had greater disability, but not pain, at all timepoints than those with low psychological distress, regardless of the degrees of pain sensitivity. Our findings suggest that pain hypersensitivity in acute LBP does not precede poor recovery at 6 months or differentiate how pain and disability change over time. High psychological distress during acute LBP is associated with unremitting and pronounced disability, while pain severity is unaffected. PerspectivePain hypersensitivity is thought to be involved in the transition to chronic LBP. Contradictory to prevailing hypothesis, our findings suggest pain hypersensitivity alone in acute LBP does not precede poor recovery. High psychological distress in acute LBP has a stronger influence than pain hypersensitivity on long-term disability, but not pain outcomes.

A comprehensive multivariate analysis of the center of pressure during quiet standing in patients with Parkinson's disease

BackgroundWe hypothesized that postural instability observed in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be classified as distinct subtypes based on comprehensive analyses of various evaluated parameters obtained from time-series of center of pressure (CoP) data during quiet standing. The aim of this study was to characterize the postural control patterns in PD patients by performing an exploratory factor analysis and subsequent cluster analysis using CoP time-series data during quiet standing.Methods127 PD patients, 47 aged 65 years or older healthy older adults, and 71 healthy young adults participated in this study. Subjects maintain quiet standing for 30 s on a force platform and 23 variables were calculated from the measured CoP time-series data. Exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis with a Gaussian mixture model using factors were performed on each variable to classify subgroups based on differences in characteristics of postural instability in PD.ResultsThe factor analysis identified five factors (magnitude of sway, medio-lateral frequency, anterio-posterior frequency, component of high frequency, and closed-loop control). Based on the five extracted factors, six distinct subtypes were identified, which can be considered as subtypes of distinct manifestations of postural disorders in PD patients. Factor loading scores for the clinical classifications (younger, older, and PD severity) overlapped, but the cluster classification scores were clearly separated.ConclusionsThe cluster categorization clearly identifies symptom-dependent differences in the characteristics of the CoP, suggesting that the detected clusters can be regarded as subtypes of distinct manifestations of postural disorders in patients with PD.

Expanded clinical phenotype spectrum correlates with variant function in SCN2A-related disorders.

SCN2A-related disorders secondary to altered function in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.2 are rare, with clinically heterogeneous expressions that include epilepsy, autism and multiple severe to profound impairments and other conditions. To advance understanding of the clinical phenotypes and their relationship to channel function, 81 patients (36 female, 44%, median age 5.4 years) with 69 unique SCN2A variants were systematically phenotyped and their Nav1.2 channel function systematically assessed. Participants were recruited through the FamileSCN2A Foundation. Primary phenotype (epilepsy of neonatal onset, n = 27; infant onset, n = 18; and later onset n = 24; and autism without seizures, n = 12) was strongly correlated with a non-seizure severity index (P = 0.002), which was based on presence of severe impairments in gross motor, fine motor, communication abilities, gastrostomy tube dependence and diagnosis of cortical visual impairment and scoliosis. Non-seizure severity was greatest in the neonatal-onset group and least in the autism group (P = 0.002). Children with the lowest severity indices were still severely impaired, as reflected by an average Vineland Adaptive Behavior composite score of 49.5 (>3 standard deviations below the norm-referenced mean of the test). Epileptic spasms were significantly more common in infant-onset (67%) than in neonatal (22%) or later-onset (29%) epilepsy (P = 0.007). Primary phenotype was also strongly correlated with variant function (P < 0.0001); gain-of-function and mixed function variants predominated in neonatal-onset epilepsy, shifting to moderate loss of function in infant-onset epilepsy and to severe and complete loss of function in later-onset epilepsy and autism groups. Exploratory cluster analysis identified five groups, representing: (i) primarily later-onset epilepsy with moderate loss-of-function variants and low severity indices; (ii) mostly infant-onset epilepsy with moderate loss-of-function variants but higher severity indices; and (iii) late-onset and autism only, with the lowest severity indices (mostly zero) and severe/complete loss-of-function variants. Two exclusively neonatal clusters were distinguished from each other largely on non-seizure severity scores and secondarily on variant function. The relationship between primary phenotype and variant function emphasizes the role of developmental factors in the differential clinical expression of SCN2A variants based on their effects on Nav1.2 channel function. The non-seizure severity of SCN2A disorders depends on a combination of the age at seizure onset (primary phenotype) and variant function. As precision therapies for SCN2A-related disorders advance towards clinical trials, knowledge of the relationship between variant function and clinical disease expression will be valuable for identifying appropriate patients for these trials and in selecting efficient clinical outcomes.

Visual depictions of the Polish–German border: a quantitative analysis of visual dimension of bordering practices

We find both the quantitative approach to (de)bordering practices research and visual studies about the Polish-German border relatively underdeveloped. This paper aims at filling methodological and empirical gaps we have found in these areas. We conducted a visual content analysis of 1402 pictures of the Słubice-Frankfurt (Oder) area, sampled from Instagram, local press, and a local art project. Our coding frame enabled taking interpretations and motivations of actors into account by treating photos as manifestations of bordering practices. We used a combined approach of hypothesis-testing by common statistical methods and exploratory cluster analysis. Results include significant differences between the content of the images dependent on the depicted country and the picture source. Finally, we also critically assessed the methodological potential of the proposed method of selecting and coding photographs.

Evaluation of the air quality in arid climate megacities (Case study: Greater Cairo)

The accelerated urbanization in the last decade and population growth in developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have increased the count of humans exposed to air pollution. This work aims to provide an insight into air quality in the Greater Cairo (GC) area which is one of the largest megacities in the MENA region and is classified as its most polluted city according to the reports of the World Health Organization (WHO). Exploratory data analysis and cluster analysis were used to assess the pollutants data and meteorological data to understand the impacts of weather factors on air quality in GC. According to the results, GC suffers from particle matter of 10 micrometres or less (PM10) pollutants. The annual averages ranged from 97 ± 10 to 203 ± 42 μg/m3. Though short-term exposure to gaseous pollutants did not exceed the limits, the long-term exposures exceeded those in some congested traffic areas. The annual averages ranged from 20 ± 5 to 63 ± 24 μg/m3 for Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and from 9 ± 3 to 21 ± 5 μg/m3 for sulphur dioxide (SO2). Also, the terrain affects the spatial variation of pollutants observation. There is a negative correlation between the monitoring site elevation and the pollutant concentration.

A Data Mining Study for Analysis of Acupoint Selection and Combinations in Acupuncture Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent upper limb compressive neuropathy. A considerable number of clinical trials and meta-analyses have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating CTS. Nevertheless, the ideal choice of acupoints remains ambiguous. A data mining analysis was conducted with the objective of determining the most effective acupoint combinations and selection for CTS. A search was conducted across seven Chinese and English electronic bibliographic databases spanning from their inception to March 2023. Selected were clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for CTS, with or without randomised controlled methods. Data extraction mainly included acupoint prescriptions. Information such as first author, study design and study setting were also extracted. The principal outcomes comprised the clinical manifestations linked to CTS. Statistical descriptions were generated using Excel 2019. The analysis of association rules was conducted using SPSS Modeler 18.0. Using SPSS Statistics 26.0, exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis were conducted. 142 trials (including 86 RCTs and 56 non RCTs) were identified, and 193 groups of effective prescriptions involving 68 acupoints were extracted. The most frequently used acupoints were Da-ling (PC7), Nei-guan (PC6), He-gu (LI4), Wai-guan (TE5), and Yang-xi (LI5). The most frequently used meridians were the pericardial meridian and the large intestine meridian. The majority of special acupoints used were Five-shu points and Yuan-source points, with acupoints on the upper limbs being the most frequently used. The core acupoint groups were analyzed and 11 groups of association rules, 8 factors, and 5 effective cluster groups were obtained. The evidence-based acupoint selection and combinations of acupuncture therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome were provided by the findings of this study.

Acupoint Selection in Postoperative Ophthalmic Pain Management: A Data Mining Protocol.

Postoperative ophthalmic pain not only induces anxiety and depression among patients, but also prolongs the recovery cycle. However, the management of postoperative pain in ophthalmology is still not standardized. The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating postoperative pain has been validated based on numerous clinical trials and meta-analysis. Our study is to conduct the first data mining analysis to identify the most effective acupoints selection and combinations for treating postoperative ophthalmic pain, inform. We will search bibliographic databases from inception to November 2023. Clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in the management of postoperative ophthalmic pain will be selected. Reviews, protocols, animal studies, case reports, systematic evaluations and Meta-analyses will be excluded. Primary outcome indicators will be clinical outcomes related to postoperative ophthalmic pain. Descriptive statistics will be performed in Excel 2019. Association rule analysis will be performed in SPSS Modeler 18.0. Exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis will be performed in SPSS Statistics 25.0. This study will investigate the most effective point selection and combination of acupuncture points for the treatment of postoperative ophthalmic pain. Our findings will provide evidence for the effectiveness and potential therapeutic prescription of acupuncture for postoperative ophthalmologic pain, helping clinicians and patients work together to make more informed decisions.

Exploring citizen perceptions and values for a responsible society

AbstractAimsCitizens’ perceived values play a decisive role in shaping a responsive society, driving social and political attitudes and behaviors. Understanding these values, influenced by cultural, historical, and personal experiences, is essential for comprehending public perspectives on social, economic, and ecological aspects crucial for sustainable societies. This study investigates perceived values as indicators of citizens’ potential civic engagement, mainly contributing to societal development.Materials and methodsFor the purpose of this study, we analyzed 1012 cases from the European Value Survey/World Value Survey data set of the Republic of Macedonia. In addition to the exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis, we employed XGBoost regression, coupled with SHAP analysis, offering a transparent exploration of the significance of citizens’ perceived values, while emphasizing their role in motivating social responsibility and duty.ResultsWe identified 12 factors and categorized Macedonian citizens into 4 clusters. Through the SHAP feature importance method, we determined that perceptions of gender stereotypes, trust in people, civil rights, and job equality strongly influence the idea of social responsibility.ConclusionsOur findings offer pathways to promote individual accountability and increased participation in societal actions, fostering greater advocacy and policy changes for a responsible, engaged, and sustainable society.