Introduction
Informed by the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values as described in Shalom Schwartz’s An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values (Schwartz 2012), we spent several days conducting statistical analyses of survey data in order to extrapolate environmental values from the survey sample size. To dust off our statistical and quantitative skills, we first examined a survey distributed locally among the Lewis & Clark College online community.
Methods
Using SPSS, we conducted a factor analysis of a survey distributed by the ENVS 220 class of Spring 2015. This survey has two components. The first is a Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) in which respondents self-evaluate how much they resemble a hypothetical person with a described trait. These questions aim to implicitly identify the survey respondent’s values, based on the Schwartz theory. The second component of the survey more explicitly requires respondents to self-identify their values. Presented with examples of several environmental beliefs, respondents evaluate how much they agree or disagree with these statements. Each question in the survey attempts to expose the environmental values of the respondents through one of these approaches. This survey was distributed among the Facebook friends of students in ENVS 220 (Fall 15).
By using the factor analysis function of SPSS on the data collected, I isolated the PVQ (Schwartz values) data from the Environmental Values data and analyzed them separately to distinguish different sets of factors from each question type. For each, I examined the scree plot to identify the most significant factors. Using the values generated in the rotated matrix, I was able to identify three chief factors from the SVS data and four chief factors from the PVQ.
Results
Figure 1: PVQ Schwartz Values Rotated Matrix
[table]
Question Summary, Component Value (1), Component Value (2), Component Value (3)
Creativity is important, -, .2, .7
Enjoys admiration, -, .8, –
Enjoys surprises, .8, -, –
Enjoys “spoiling” themselves, .7, .2, –
Enjoys caring for others, -, -, .6
Success is important, -, .8, –
Seeks excitement and adventure, .8, -, –
Loyal relationships are important, -,-, .7
Having fun is important, .7, -, –
[/table]
Figure 2: Environmental Values Rotated Matrix
[table]
Question Summary, Component Value 1, Component Value 2, Component Value 3, Component Value 4
Big changes come from many small actions, -, .8, -, –
Big changes come from big scale actions and policies, .2, -.6, -, –
I don’t want the next generation to inherit our mess, -, -, .7, .3
Immediate action is necessary to avert disaster, -, -, .8, –
Sometimes I fear my worst nightmares will come true, -, -, .8, –
Nature would be peaceful without humans, -, -, -, .8
Modern life is harmful to nature, -,-, -, .7
Science and technology can eliminate poverty & hunger, .8, -, -, -,
Science and technology create opportunities for the future, .8, -, -, -,
[/table]
While the questions contained within these tables are not a comprehensive list of each survey, they comprise the most statistically significant correlations. Component values of .6 and higher (and -.6 and lower) were used to identify the commonalities between questions which can then be extrapolated as values. Correlation is determined by the values in each column.
Discussion
For the Schwartz Value PVQ factors, I identify three distinct values to describe the correlations. The first value is pleasure-seeking, describing those who prioritize having fun, being surprised, and generally like to pursue feeling good and immediate gratification. The second value is status-seeking, describing those who prioritize success, accomplishment, admiration, and money. The third value is relationship-building, describing those who seek loyal and compassionate relationships and enjoy caring for other people.
For the Environmental Values factors, I identify four distinct categories of environmental values that I observed from the factor analysis results. The first I call techno-optimism, a belief that technology is the answer to the global dilemmas we face. This is often called “bright green” environmentalism, promoted by people such as Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus of The Breakthrough Institute. The second factor, or environmental belief, I call individualism. People who take an individualistic approach to solving environmental problems believe that many people taking small, everyday actions can tackle the big problems facing our world. The third viewpoint I call apocalyptic, describing those who harbor great fear or environmental collapse and feel as if doom looms over the future. The final factor I assigned the fourth correlation I call the purity factor, the belief that humans are inherently separate from and harmful to nature.
Conclusions
Because the sample size of this survey was very small (around 100), these results are not perfect and cannot be presented as statistically accurate. See my discussion of a secondary analysis regarding a global survey on environmental values here.However, information gathered here offers a useful introduction to factor analysis as a method of distinguishing different values from survey results. This is one way to quantify theoretical claims in a field that is predominately qualitative and narrative analysis.