TECHNIQUES OF ASSESSING FARM FAMILY VALUES.

This paper is an attempt to compare four different techniques of assessing farm family values: (1) direct questioning, (2) choosing between alternative expenditures of time or money, (3) verbal ranking of family goals, and (4) behavioral data in the form of material possessions, family expenditures, and social participation. A high degree of association is found between the three verbal indices of family values. The validity of verbal measures is dependent upon the type of value measured. Choices between alternatives in the expenditure of time or money appear to be a reliable as well as valid means of measuring family values which involve such expenditures. Behavioral indices of value are valid only when the behavior is not highly influenced by immediate situational factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]