Why Forced Choices?
Ask people to rate values one by one and most say everything is “very important”. Real life does not work like that. Taking a job, moving city or starting a family all force trade-offs. This test mirrors that: in every question, both options are good, and you must choose one.
The result is a ranking of eight values, showing what wins when values collide.
| Value | What it means |
|---|---|
| Family | Close relationships and belonging |
| Freedom | Independence and choice |
| Achievement | Goals, success and excellence |
| Security | Stability and safety |
| Adventure | New experiences and excitement |
| Creativity | Making and expressing |
| Compassion | Helping others |
| Knowledge | Learning and understanding |
How It Works
Each value appears in four of the 16 choices, against different rivals. Every choice gives points to one value, so your bars show how often each one won.
How This Differs From Our Personal Values Test
Our personal values test uses Shalom Schwartz’s research model of ten values and asks you to rate how similar you are to short descriptions. This test uses forced choices between eight everyday values. Try both: if the same values rise to the top, you can be confident about your priorities.
Why Knowing Your Values Helps
- Decisions: values act as a compass for choices about work, relationships and money.
- Wellbeing: research on self-determination theory suggests that pursuing goals aligned with your values, rather than goals imposed by others, is linked with greater wellbeing.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) uses values clarification to help people act on what matters even when life is difficult.
Using Your Ranking
- Look at your top three and check whether your weekly schedule reflects them.
- Notice tension between top values, such as freedom versus family, and plan for it.
- Discuss with a partner: comparing rankings explains many disagreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my values change?
Yes. Values often shift with age and life events, such as having children or changing careers.
Why were some choices so hard?
Hard choices usually mean both values matter a lot to you, which is useful information.
Is there a right ranking?
No. Every value is worthwhile; the ranking simply reflects your priorities.
Related Tests
Find meaning with the purpose in life test or your moral foundations with the moral foundations test.
Values
Purpose in Life Test
Sixteen statements measure your sense of purpose across meaning, direction, engagement and contribution, with practical ways to strengthen the weakest part.
Values
Moral Alignment Test
Twenty-four honest statements place you on the classic alignment chart, from Lawful Good to Chaotic Evil, with your position on both scales.
Values
Moral Foundations Test
Thirty statements measure how much six moral foundations, from care and fairness to loyalty and liberty, shape your judgements.
Values
Personal Values Test
Thirty short descriptions rank ten universal values, from self-direction to security, based on Shalom Schwartz's theory of basic human values.
For self-reflection only. See how we build our tests.