A rank order approach to basic human values: Using q-sorts to investigate the value circumplex

The circumplex of values (Schwartz et al., 2001) is a continuum of motivation, wherein values that are closer together in the circle are similar, and distal values are dissimilar. The circumplex of values suggests that values are ordered by importance, indicating the need to consider ranking in relation to values. However, most analyses conducted on the values take variable-centered approaches (e.g., Bilsky et al., 2011; Schwartz et al., 2001), which cannot test the actual values configurations within individuals. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the circumplex of human values using a rank order approach. In two studies (Study 1 N = 1427; Study 2 N = 486), we investigated values in emerging adults with q-methodology. In Study 2, we compared two person-centered approaches (i.e., q-methodology and latent profile analysis) to values. Q-methodology was more theoretically consistent with the circumplex of values than latent profile analysis.