Assessing Children’s Values: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Currently, much attention is devoted to children’s values and their development in an educational context. Recent research revealed that children hold a solid concept of their values and may provide accurate and unique information by themselves. Schwartz’s (1994) theory established a comprehensive framework of universal human values, and Schwartz’s Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ, a self-report instrument) provided access to adults’ and adolescents’ values. However, it is unexplored to what extent the two would be suitable for children. In an exploratory study, the PVQ was employed in a sample of 8- to 11-year-old children ( N = 191). Observations during the process of instrument completion indicated that the PVQ imposed high demands on children’s language skills, cognitive capacities, and ability for abstract thinking. Nonetheless, Multidimensional Scaling analyses revealed highly differentiated value structures. The discussion focuses on the validity of Schwartz’s theory in childhood, promising alternative assessment strategies, and implications for practitioners.