Value priorities of future preschool and class teachers in Serbia in terms of the Schwartz refined value theory

Abstract

To understand an individual's behavior, attitudes, and decisions, it is necessary to learn his/her value priorities. In order to explore the structure and hierarchy of values of future preschool and class teachers we conducted a survey (N = 232). It relies on the famous Schwartz value theory in its refined version, applying his PVQ-57 (Portrait Value Questionnaire). The analysis encompassed reliability analysis, goodness of fit, multidimensional scaling, mean rating and ranking, and t-test. The obtained data fits the theoretical model well, and the location of empirical value types can be predicted by the proposed circumplex, except for universalism and benevolence values, which are located in reverse. Several values adjacent in the model appear combined in the data. The value hierarchy starts with Benevolence (Care and Dependability), Self-direction-Action, Security-Personal, Universalism-Concern, and finishes with Humility, Power-Resources and Dominance.