Value priorities and behavior: Applying a theory of integrated value systems

A major goal of research on values has been to relate individual differences in value priorities to differences in attitudes, behavior, and background variables. Past research most commonly adopted one of two approaches. Much research has selected a few single target values whose priorities were postulated to associate with the attitude, behavior, or background variable of interest and then examined empirical relationships (e.g., obedience and social class—Alwin, 1984; world at peace and pacifism—Mayton & Furnham, 1994; equality and civil rights—Rokeach, 1973). Other research has been more exploratory. It has related lists of values to various other variables and then discussed the significant associations that emerged (e.g., with personality inventories—Furnham, 1984; with race, nationality, and age—Rokeach, 1973; with quality of teaching—Greenstein, 1976). The associations with single values that emerge can, of course, almost always be interpreted as making sense, post hoc.