Constructing Schwartz values framework using the Rokeach values survey: Human value measurement in the longitudinal internet survey for social sciences

Abstract

This paper assesses and validates indexes of human values as conceptualized in the Schwartz framework using the Rokeach Value Survey in the publicly available LISS panel data (www.lisspanel.nl), thereby opening an avenue for researchers to relate values to a wide range of attitudes, traits, and behaviors with the most widely used and tested values theory. We start with a theoretical screening of the value items, after which we use multi-dimensional scaling to assess the item’s correlation structure. We developed reliable and valid indexes for 8 of the 10 Schwartz values, of which universalism, achievement, benevolence, and conformity contain 3 or more items, and self-direction, stimulation, hedonism, and security contain 1 or 2 items. We assess the RVS-based indexes by comparing them with other Schwartz indexes in the World Value Survey and the European Social Survey data. Using regressions, all 8 values also show the expected relationships with demographics, political orientation, and personality traits. By tailoring the RVS to align with the Schwartz value structure, researchers can use a well-established framework for assessing human values longitudinally and cross-sectionally, enabling better comparisons and insights across studies and time periods.