WARM-UP TO A SOCIOMETRIC EXPLORATION

Abstract

Every group has underlying structures which to varying degrees influence the alternatives we acknowledge, the choices we make, and consequently, the energy we expend in response to each other, and to our positions in life. Dr. J. L. Moreno, who originated both the concept of the therapeutic group (1913)' and that of the therapeutic theatre of psychodrama (1910),2 created sociometry3 as the conceptual framework for understanding group structure and resulting group interaction. The primary purpose of a sociometric exploration is to develop sociometric consciousness, to provide training in the awareness of that underlying network of feelings between self and others, and between others. A number of devices (techniques) exist which accomplish this purpose to some degree. In this paper I am concerned with the sociometric test devised by Moreno which results in the socio gram. This is the sociometric exploration which is conducted on the basis of criteria for which participants choose to (or choose not to, or to be neutral toward) spend time and share space at some pre-announced activity. The utilization of the sociometric test is especially beneficial to groups concerned with personal growth, organizational development, communication or human relations skill training, and group leader or psychodrama skill training.