Sociometry Reconsidered: The Social Context of Peer Rejection in Childhood

TOM W. CADWALLADER

Authors

TOM W. CADWALLADER Author

Keywords:

peer relations

Abstract

The author describes the theoretical foundations and current applications of sociometric measures to peer-relations research. The author also critically evaluates the conversion of the sociometric test from an assessment of group interactions to a measure of individual popularity. He portrays modern sociometric concepts of preference and inclusion as constructs that lack reference to explicit elements of behavior. He endorses social network analysis as a measure of affiliative activities and as a method for defining homogenous reference groups. He discusses implications for intervention and prevention. The developmental model is represented to account for the multiple determinants of competence in peer relations.

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Sociometry Reconsidered: The Social Context of Peer Rejection in Childhood

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