The measurement of values with the "Portrait value questionnaire"

In this study we use two samples (N= 321, N = 395) to validate a 40-item German version of the "Portraits Value Questionnaire" (PVQ). The PVQ is an instrument newly developed by Shalom Schwartz to test his theory on basic human values. The 40-item PVQ is conceptually different from the "Schwartz Value Survey" (SVS), which has been so far the applied standard instrument. The new instrument is especially suitable for respondents with low to medium levels of education. Our results validate the postulated Schwartz value theory. A comparison with the SVS supports convergent and discriminant validity of the ten values measured by the PVQ. Statistical relations found between the value types and two external variables support the construct validity of the PVQ. A confirmatory factor analysis does not confirm the postulated number of values, since only nine instead of ten values are empirically identified. An external validation with data from the representative European Social Survey 2003 in Germany and a confirmatory factor analysis (with only 21 items) confirm the Schwartz values scale; however, four value types have to be unified.