12axes vs 8values
8values measures 4 values; 12axes splits politics into 12 axes, so two people with the same 8values result can come out far apart on 12axes. Here is what changes and which one to take.
The Two Tests Side by Side
| 12axes | 8values | |
|---|---|---|
| Axes | 12 in four groups | 4 |
| Questions | 36, 60 or 240 (original: 60 or 288) | 70 |
| Answer scale | 7 steps, Strongly agree to Strongly disagree | 5 steps |
| Result | 12 percents with labels, closest ideology, countries, figures | 4 percents and a closest ideology |
| Ideology list | 48 profiles on 12 axes | 52 profiles on 4 values |
| Source | politicaltests 12axes, MIT | 8values, MIT |
How the 8values Axes Map to 12axes
Each 8values axis becomes two or more 12axes axes, so a single score is split into the parts it mixed together.
- Economic (Equality vs Markets)
- Economy (Equality vs Markets), Control (Planned vs Laissez-Faire), Trade (Protectionist vs Globalist)
- Diplomatic (Nation vs Globe)
- Intervention (Internationalist vs Nationalist), Diplomacy (Militarist vs Pacifist), Immigration (Assimilationist vs Multiculturalist)
- Civil (Liberty vs Authority)
- Structure (Federal vs Unitary), Representation (Democratic vs Autocratic), Power (Security vs Freedom)
- Societal (Tradition vs Progress)
- Religion (Secular vs Religious), Culture (Progressive vs Traditional), Technology (Acceleration vs Bioconservative)
Which Test Should You Take?
- Take 8values for a quick four-number summary that most online political communities recognise.
- Take 12axes when 8values put you in the middle and you want to see why: it separates things like religion and culture, or ownership and regulation.
- Take both and compare: plenty of 8values centrists turn out strongly federal, secular or protectionist on 12axes.
12axes vs 8values: Common Questions
Is 12axes made by the 8values team?
No. 12axes grew out of 9axes, which built on 8values; all three share the MIT License, and 12axes keeps the 8values copyright line.
What about 9Axes and the Political Compass?
9Axes measures 9 axes with 45 or 216 questions. The Political Compass places you on 2 axes, economic left and right and authoritarian and libertarian.