Construct/Factor Analytic
Cawley et al. (2000) conducted an exploratory maximum-likelihood factor analysis with varimax rotation
(N5390) based on the intercorrelations of the 140 VS items from the first sample of undergraduates (163 males;
227 females). Application of the Scree test ( Cattell, 1978; Cattell & Vogelmann, 1977 ) resulted in extraction of four
factors with highest loaded items for each of the four subscales as follows: Empathy (13 items), Order (17 items),
Resourcefulness (11 items), and Serenity (7 items).
Criterion/Predictive
No criterion/predictive validity evidence for the VS is currently available.
Location
Cawley, M.J. III. (1997). The Virtues Scale: A psychological examination of the structure of virtue and the relationships
between virtue, personality, moral development, and epistemological style . Doctoral dissertation, Pennsylvania State
University, 1997.
DAI (1988): Section B, Sciences and Engineering, 58 (7-B), 3954.
Cawley, M.J. III., Martin, J.E., & Johnson, J.A. (2000). A virtues approach to personality. Personality and
Individual Differences, 28 , 997/C01013.
Results and Comments
The lexical scale construction strategy employed by Cawley et al. (2000) has been positively cited (e.g.,
Haslam, Bain, & Neal, 2004; Linley et al., 2007; Macdonald et al., 2008; Noftle, Schnitker, & Robins, 2011; Peterson
& Seligman, 2004; Shryack, Steger, Krueger, & Kallie, 2010 ), and the VS appears to be a distinctive and promising
measure of moral personality. However, from a practical perspective, use of the VS is limited by lack of pub-
lished information regarding normative statistics, and the psychometric properties of the four subscales, as well
as minor issues such as use of ‘rank’ (rather than ‘rate’) in the instructions. Cawley et al. (2000, p. 997) concluded
that, ‘Meaningful, replicated correlations between the virtue subscales and personality scales and a complete lack
of relationships between the virtues scales and the [Kohlbergian] DIT indicate that virtue is a function of person-
ality rather than moral reasoning and cognitive development.’
VS SAMPLE ITEMS
Directions: Read each cluster of statements. Form a general impression. Then decide if that cluster pertains to
you, AS YOU REALLY ARE. Does it describe your REAL virtues and personal traits? If the cluster represents your
REAL virtues and traits well, rank it a ‘7’. If the cluster does not represent your REAL virtues and traits at all, rank it
a ‘1’. If you feel like you are somewhere between 1 and 7, use 2 through 6 to represent your REAL virtues and traits.
Make sure that you answer the way YOU REALLY ARE and not the way you ideally should be.’
1 23 4567
Least like you Most like you
REALLY ARE REALLY ARE
Sample Items
Question 1
I am wisely cautious in practical affairs.
I am able to make correct decisions based on my good judgment, and common sense.
The people who know me best would describe me as prudent, discreet, and sensible.
Question 2
I adhere to what is fair, honest, and just.
I strive to give each person what they are due.
The people who know me best would describe me as just, honorable, and upright.
Notes : The VS is available at: www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/j/5/j5j/virtues/VS.html (Retrieved January 10, 2014).
Reproduced with permission.511 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
V. VICES AND VIRTUES