The Union of Opposites in Sociometry
Keywords:
SociometryAbstract
This article presents an empirical study that (a) introduces the sociodynamic test, which adds to the sociometric test (Moreno, 1934; Hale, 1981) a measure of coexisting opposite preferences underlying sociometric choice; (b) outlines how the sociodynamic method is used clinically; (c) demonstrates empirically that preferences are more predictable than choices, suggesting preference rather than choice data should be used when measuring interpersonal perceptual accuracy; and (d) illustrates nonlinear patterns of choosing and bonding by maintaining the integrity of coexisting opposites by plotting positive and negative preference with their corresponding sociometric choice. The study also illustrates how a new general theory of processes helps to identify a problem in clinical and experimental measurement; serves to design a method to overcome it; and directs us toward mathematical dynamics for the analysis of nonlinear patterns.
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