Network Analysis Methods to Measure Sociometric Status

Simona Gozzo,Venera Tomaselli

doi:10.13189/ms.2016.040303

Abstract

This paper proposes an innovative methodological approach to measure sociometric status in small groups of pupils. Although it uses indirect data collected by interview, in this study the sociometric status is analysed by direct observation. This method is specifically suitable when the target population concerns pre-school children. Their cognitive competence, in fact, is not as well developed as their relational abilities. Hence, the indicators constructed are more reliable than the measures derived by the subjective perception of interviewed pupils. The Network Analysis methods allow for the definition of sociometric status by means of regular equivalence. Employing lambda sets and cliques, then, we specify further roles into distinctive small groups. The results show that sociometric status can be revealed by regular equivalence. Besides, the Network Analysis approach allows for the observation of further relational skills, not strictly associated with traditional social roles, detectable only through lambda sets and cliques.

Highlights

This paper describes and analyses relational patterns among pupils at an infant school, in order to classify roles into distinctive groups by means of Network Analysis (NA) measures.Several studies have shown that peer relationships have significant effects on language development, learning abilities and empathetic capabilities [1, 2]
On the basis of this assumption, our study explores the capability of pre-school 3-5 years children to relate with peers in the construction of social roles
Additional behavioural observations and sociometric data are used to show that high mutual proximity subgroups reflect friendship relations, whereas low mutual proximity subgroups reflect common social goals without subgroup dyadic ties

Summary

Introduction

This paper describes and analyses relational patterns among pupils at an infant school, in order to classify roles into distinctive groups by means of Network Analysis (NA) measures. Several studies have shown that peer relationships have significant effects on language development, learning abilities and empathetic capabilities [1, 2]. A recent study [3] characterises selection and socialization aspects of school-age children and adolescent peer groups. Additional behavioural observations and sociometric data are used to show that high mutual proximity subgroups reflect friendship relations, whereas low mutual proximity subgroups reflect common social goals without subgroup dyadic ties

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion