Material Values Scale (Richins)
Psychology: Values & BeliefsReliability: alpha 0.863 sample items
About this scale
A 15-item measure of materialism along three dimensions: success (using possessions to judge success), centrality (acquisitiveness as life-priority), and happiness (belief that possessions yield happiness).
Sample item(s)
“I admire people who own expensive homes, cars, and clothes. (success)”
“I like a lot of luxury in my life. (centrality)”
“I'd be happier if I could afford to buy more things. (happiness)”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: alpha 0.86. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
6-, 9-, and 15-item versions exist; pick based on survey length.
Source & citation
Richins, M. L. (2004): The material values scale: Measurement properties and development of a short form. Journal of Consumer Research, Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 209–219.
Richins (2004): Material values scale (short form). JCR, 31(1), 209–219.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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