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Scientific Validity of the 9 Levels of Value Systems®

The 9 Levels of Value Systems® are a scientifically based analytical tool. The questionnaire on which the analysis is based was developed by Dobbelstein and Krumm (2012) to measure the value systems developed by Prof. Clare W. Graves. It is based on a simplification of Graves's theory and focuses on the emotional and affective aspects of value systems (Dobbelstein & Krumm, 2012). To this end, the items were formulated, answered by a target group, and evaluated at the item level (Dobbelstein & Krumm, 2012). The quality of the scale was examined through two different validation studies, one for the general affiliation items (Dobbelstein & Krumm, 2012) and one for the resistance items (Dobbelstein & Krumm, 2015).

The final questionnaire consists of 91 items representing the 7 measurable levels. Affiliation with a level is measured by 10 items, while resistance to a level is measured by 3 items. The following criteria demonstrate that the questionnaire meets its scientific standards:

What does this mean?

What does this mean for the 9 Levels?

Objectivity

Conduct objectivity refers to whether a diagnostic tool gives reliable results no matter who uses it. Evaluation objectivity means that the results are evaluated the same way no matter who is doing the evaluating.

Conduct objectivity is high because the diagnostic tool is a standardized online questionnaire, ensuring that all participants face the same conditions. Evaluation objectivity is also high because the evaluation is standardized and conducted by a computer system.

Validity

Validity indicates whether a diagnostic tool actually measures what it is intended to measure.

The content validity of the diagnostic tool is high because it is based on the theoretical foundation of psychologist Prof. Clare W. Graves and has been reviewed by an expert panel.

Reliability

Reliability refers to the accuracy and consistency of measurements. Internal consistency, often measured by Cronbach's Alpha, indicates how well the questions or items of a diagnostic tool fit together and whether they measure a common construct. Cronbach's Alpha of .70 or higher is often considered acceptable and indicates good internal consistency.

Cronbach's Alpha:

  • Purple (.73)
  • Red (.75)
  • Blue (.73)
  • Orange (.80)
  • Green (.73)
  • Yellow (.69)
  • Turquoise (.83)

The questions for each level appear to be well connected with each other and measure a common construct (the respective level).

When interpreting the standardized results, the 9 Levels Masters, all trained by certified instructors, provide support.

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