Comparing the Slider Measure of Social Value Orientation with Its Main Alternatives

Abstract

The Slider Measure of social value orientation (SVO) was introduced as an improvement from existing measures. We conduct an independent assessment of its suitability compared with the Ring Measure and the Triple Dominance Measure. Using a student sample, we assess the measures’ test-retest reliability (N = 88; using a longer time interval than previous studies) and sensitivity to random responses. Analyses pertaining to convergent validity, criterion validity, and the advantages of a continuous over a discrete measure are presented in the online appendix. Compared with alternatives, the Slider Measure has the highest test-retest reliability. However, it classifies random responses in an unbalanced way, assigning the vast majority of random responses to cooperative and individualistic, rather than altruistic and competitive, orientations. For all three measures, we propose improved ways of weeding out inconsistent responses.