Values of Psychology and Nonpsychology Majors

Abstract

We investigated the value system of psychology and nonpsychology majors using a revised version of the Allport, Vernon, and Lindzey Study of Values. This abridged version of the test was administered to a heterogeneous sample of 125 undergraduates enrolled in a wide variety of psychology courses as well as 96 additional students enrolled in psychology sophomore and junior level psychological service courses. When students were more closely sampled for classes and rank, nonpsychology majors reported being more political than psychology majors on this instrument. However, limitations of sampling may have curtailed more robust differences. The importance of research on values for the teaching of undergraduate psychology is discussed.