Questionnaire Analysis

The Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-40) is categorized as a psychometric test. It serves as an alternative and less complex tool designed to measure individuals’ values based on a model of 10 fundamental values developed by Schwartz and his colleagues (Schwartz et al., 2001).

Purpose of the Questionnaire

Schwartz and his collaborators proposed a comprehensive theory of a universal psychological structure of human values. Through the questionnaire, this theory aims to identify 10 different motivational priorities that are common across people from various cultures and societies.

Question Rating

The PVQ-40 includes a total of 40 items. Each item consists of a description of a person (“portrait”) with two sentences. Respondents are asked to evaluate how similar they are to the person being described. Responses are given on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very much like me) to 6 (not at all like me). The 40 items are divided into 10 subscales. The number of items per subscale ranges from 2 to 6. These subscales can be summarized as follows:
Power
Achievement
Hedonism
Self-Direction
Universalism
Benevolence
Tradition
Conformity
Security
Stimulation
A shorter version of the PVQ, consisting of 21 items, is often used in cross-cultural studies conducted under time constraints and involving representative samples.

Statistical Analysis of the Questionnaire

In further analysis, Likert scale scores are transformed to derive similarity estimates. The score for each value is calculated as the average of the respondent’s ratings on the portraits that pertain to that specific value. Although suitable for all populations, the PVQ is primarily preferred in studies involving children aged 11–14 years, as well as adults with lower educational backgrounds or those from different cultural backgrounds (Schwartz, 2006). The questionnaire has been adapted into Greek by Pavlopoulos and is currently being standardized on a Greek sample by Pezirkianidis and Stalikas.

Validity and Reliability

The Portrait Values Questionnaire has demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. Studies in various countries have supported the reliability of the PVQ, as well as its convergent and discriminant validity (Schwartz et al., 2001). However, it is worth noting that the shorter version of the PVQ exhibits reduced reliability compared to the original version due to the reduction in items (Schwartz, 2012).

References

Schwartz, S. H., Melech, G., Lehmann, A., Burgess, S., Harris, M., & Owens, V. (2001). Extending the cross-cultural validity of the theory of basic human values with a different method of measurement. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 32(5), 519–542.
Schwartz, S. H. (2006). Basic Human Values: An Overview.
Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1), 2307-0919.