Purpose of the Scale

The purpose of the Schwartz Value Scale [SVS-57] is to assess the values that individuals hold in their lives and to gain deeper insight into how they prioritize and set their personal goals.

Scale Analysis

The Schwartz Value Scale [SVS-57], developed by Schwartz in 1996, consists of 57 words, each representing a specific value that helps explain the choices and actions of individuals and others. These values are categorized into ten value types, each associated with distinct motivational goals, mindsets, or cultural influences. The ten value types assessed by the SVS-57 are: power, competence, pleasure, adventurous life, freedom, unity, compassion, respect for tradition, obedience, and risk avoidance.

Scoring of the Questionnaire

The Schwartz Value Scale [SVS-57] is scored using two indices that incorporate various values. After ranking the importance of each value in their life, individuals rate each value on a nine-point scale ranging from –1 to 7. Specifically:
–1 means the value is opposed to their personal values
0 means not at all important
3 means important
6 means very important
7 means extremely important
Each person receives ten scores, each representing the average rating of the words/values included in each of the ten distinct value categories.

Validity and Reliability

Regarding the validity of the Schwartz Value Scale [SVS-57], research findings indicate that it has good construct and predictive validity.

References

Becker, J. R., Engelbrecht, A., Boonzaaier, M., Finch, J. D., Meiring, D., & Louw, G. (2017). The measurement of values: A psychometric evaluation of the Schwartz Value Survey in the South African context. Management Dynamics: Journal of the Southern African Institute for Management Scientists, 26(2), 21–41.
Lindeman, M., & Verkasalo, M. (2005). Measuring values with the short Schwartz’s value survey. Journal of Personality Assessment, 85(2), 170–178.
Schwartz, S. H. (2003). A proposal for measuring value orientations across nations. Questionnaire package of the European Social Survey, 259(290), 261.