Lee, Po-Ying; (1996) The nature of values and valuations: Theory, measurement and application. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis examined an integrated theory which connects values with situations through valuations. It proposes that the relevant values are activated as reward or cost values in each specific situation, and a person's attitude toward the situation is determined by the resultant trade-off. The Rokeach Value Survey (Rokeach, 1973) and Schwartz's (1987, 1992) value questionnaire were combined and modified to measure valuation elements which included the relevant values, their status (as reward or cost values) and importance. The theory was supported by Study 1 which measured British subjects' valuations and attitudes about nuclear weapons and about abortion. Study 2 replicated previous work to explore the stability and change in valuations over time (5 weeks). The results revealed that most subjects' valuations and attitudes remain stable while some subjects changed their attitudes which could be predicted from changed status of core relevant values. Furthermore the measurement of valuation is applied to study career achievement domain of British and Taiwanese university students. Study 3 explored their perceptional appraisals about career achievement indicating that the Taiwanese subjects held broader views than the British subjects did on the antecedents and standards of career achievement, but both the samples held similar views on the consequences of career achievement Study 4 investigated their motivational appraisals about the standards and consequences of career achievement, and for whom do they seek or avoid career achievement. The results indicated the core components within the subjects' career achievement motivation, and their tendencies of individualism or collectivism on career achievement. These results challenge the previous views on these topics. This research provides a theoretical framework and a new way to investigate a person's valuation about a situation and thereby many other value-related variables.

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