A Refined Theory of Basic Personal Values: Validation in Russia

Abstract

The This paper presents a refined theory of basic individual values by S. Schwartz that aims to offer more heuristic and explanatory possibilities compared to an earlier theory of 10 values (Schwartz, 1992), as well as the results of its empirical validation in Russia. The refined theory is based on the key assumption of value theory that is often ignored in research: the circular motivational continuum of values. The theory postulates 19 values placed on a circular continuum in a way that reflects their mutual compatibility (adjacent values are the most compatible, opposing values, in turn, the most conflicting). The extraction of conceptually different values serves to assure the more heuristic and predictive power of the theory. The theory was validated using a Russian version of the questionnaire in a sample of 506 respondents. This instrument was validated before previously on various samples in 11 countries. Confirmatory factor analysis and multidimensional scaling indicated 19 values. The theoretically proposed order of values was mostly confirmed by the results of multidimensional scaling. According to the results, there were no strong cross-loadings of items on alternative values. Consequently, multicollinearity becomes less of a common phenomenon, if a larger set of values is used. The proofs that confirm the idea of a circular motivational continuum suggest the justification of various ways to dissect this circle. If the researchers take into account the fact that values form a continuum they may choose the number of values to dissect the circle according to the objectives of their research. The conducted study shows the possibility of various levels of abstraction within the motivational hierarchy. Though this article demonstrates discriminant, convergent and construct validity of the refined theory and the instrument of measurement, it doesn’t address the issue of prognostic validity. It is not demonstrated that the refined theory of values provides stronger predictive and explanatory precision in relation to behavior, attitudes and beliefs than the original theory. In present timeThe authors conducted the current study on the relationships between 19 values and the broad set of behavior types that these values should predict.