Values Framework
This document covers the academic foundations of CBrowser's values system. The framework combines validated psychological theories into a full model of user motivations.
Theoretical Integration
CBrowser's values system synthesizes five major psychological frameworks:
| Framework | Purpose in CBrowser |
|---|---|
| Schwartz's Basic Values | Primary motivational dimensions (10 values) |
| Self-Determination Theory | Core psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) |
| Maslow's Hierarchy | Motivational priority levels |
| Rokeach Value Survey | Terminal vs. instrumental value distinction |
| Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions | Cross-cultural value variations |
Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values
Original Research
Schwartz, S. H. (1992). Universals in the content and structure of values: Theoretical advances and empirical tests in 20 countries. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 25, 1-65.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(08)60281-6
Key Findings
- 10 Universal Values: Identified across 20 countries, later validated in 80+ countries
- Circular Structure: Values form a circular motivational continuum
- Compatibility/Conflict: Adjacent values are compatible; opposing values conflict
- Cross-Cultural Validity: Structure holds across diverse cultures
Refined Theory (2012)
Schwartz, S. H., et al. (2012). Refining the theory of basic individual values. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 103(4), 663-688.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029393
Key Refinement
Expanded from 10 to 19 values for finer discrimination, while maintaining the original 10-value structure for practical applications.
Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
Original Research
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum Press.
ISBN: 978-0306420221
Seminal Paper
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Three Basic Needs
| Need | Definition | Web Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomy | Control over one's actions | Customization, choice, optional flows |
| Competence | Feeling capable and effective | Progress indicators, success feedback |
| Relatedness | Connection with others | Community, social features, belonging |
Key Finding
"Contexts that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness foster greater internalization and integration than contexts that thwart these needs." — Ryan & Deci, 2000, p. 74
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Original Research
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/h0054346
Extended Work
Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and personality. Harper & Row.
Hierarchy Levels
| Level | Focus | Web Behavior Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Physiological | Basic survival | Price sensitivity, essentials |
| Safety | Security, stability | Trust signals, guarantees |
| Belonging | Social connection | Community, social proof |
| Esteem | Recognition, achievement | Premium features, badges |
| Self-Actualization | Growth, purpose | Learning, contribution |
Modern Interpretation
The strict hierarchy has been critiqued. But the framework still helps understand motivational priorities. Users at different need levels respond differently to messaging and features.
Rokeach Value Survey
Original Research
Rokeach, M. (1973). The nature of human values. Free Press.
ISBN: 978-0029267509
Value Types
| Type | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Values | End-states of existence | Happiness, security, wisdom |
| Instrumental Values | Modes of conduct | Honesty, ambition, helpfulness |
Integration with Schwartz
Schwartz's theory subsumes Rokeach's distinction, with terminal values mapping to value goals and instrumental values to value expressions.
Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
Original Research
Hofstede, G. (1984). Culture's consequences: International differences in work-related values. Sage Publications.
Extended Framework
Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2162-6057.1984.tb00234.x
Six Dimensions
| Dimension | Description | Web Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Power Distance | Acceptance of hierarchy | Authority sensitivity |
| Individualism vs. Collectivism | Self vs. group orientation | Social proof influence |
| Masculinity vs. Femininity | Competition vs. cooperation | Achievement messaging |
| Uncertainty Avoidance | Tolerance for ambiguity | Risk tolerance |
| Long-term vs. Short-term | Future vs. present orientation | Time horizon |
| Indulgence vs. Restraint | Gratification norms | Hedonism expression |
Value-Behavior Correlations
Meta-Analyses
Schwartz, S. H., & Bardi, A. (2001). Value hierarchies across cultures: Taking a similarities perspective. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 32(3), 268-290.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022101032003002
Roccas, S., Sagiv, L., Schwartz, S. H., & Knafo, A. (2002). The Big Five personality factors and personal values. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28(6), 789-801.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167202289008
Key Findings
| Correlation | Strength | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Security → Risk Aversion | r = 0.45-0.55 | Schwartz & Bardi (2001) |
| Stimulation → Novelty Seeking | r = 0.50-0.60 | Roccas et al. (2002) |
| Conformity → Social Proof | r = 0.45-0.55 | Goldstein et al. (2008) |
| Self-Direction → Independence | r = 0.40-0.50 | Schwartz (2012) |
| Achievement → Goal Orientation | r = 0.35-0.45 | McClelland (1961) |
Web Behavior Research
Trust and Credibility
Fogg, B. J. (2003). Prominence-interpretation theory: Explaining how people assess credibility online. CHI '03 Extended Abstracts, 722-723.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/765891.765951
Social Proof
Goldstein, N. J., Cialdini, R. B., & Griskevicius, V. (2008). A room with a viewpoint: Using social norms to motivate environmental conservation in hotels. Journal of Consumer Research, 35(3), 472-482.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/586910
Technology Acceptance
Venkatesh, V., Thong, J. Y., & Xu, X. (2012). Consumer acceptance and use of information technology: Extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. MIS Quarterly, 36(1), 157-178.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/41410412
Implementation Notes
Value Profile Validation
Value profiles in CBrowser are based on:
- Research correlations -- Documented links between values and behaviors
- Persona archetypes -- Established user research patterns
- Expert review -- UX researchers validated mappings
Limitations
- Cultural context -- Value expressions vary by culture
- Situational factors -- Context can override value-driven behavior
- Individual variation -- Profiles are tendencies, not rules
Recommended Reading
For practitioners wanting deeper understanding:
- Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An overview of the Schwartz theory of basic values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1).
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Press.
- Cialdini, R. B. (2021). Influence, new and expanded: The psychology of persuasion. Harper Business.
See Also
- Values Index - All 10 values overview
- Trait Index - Cognitive traits
- Bibliography - Complete references
- Research Methodology - Trait selection
Copyright: (c) 2026 Alexa Eden.
License: MIT License
Contact: [email protected]