The relationships between egocentrism and certain socialization variables were examined for a sample of first through fifth grade rural children. The most significant results were the high correlations of egocentrism scores, sociometric scores, and teachers' ratings of popularity with observed playground behavior. (Author/JKS)

Investigated males' and females' sociometric evaluation of same- and opposite-sex elementary school classmates. Sex differences were noted. (Author/DB)

Six third-grade subjects who were selected by peers' sociometric ratings, teacher rating, and observation of six social skills, received social skills training, and individual and group intervention. Ss' behavior were shaped in skill areas to approximate average peer rate, with resulting increase in sociometric ranking and teacher rating.…

Examined changes in low-accepted children's behavior and peer acceptance resulting from a social learning approach to social skill training. Three social skills were taught: asking questions, leading, and offering peer support. Trained children performed significantly better at follow-up than did control children. Results generalized to classroom…

Three different approaches to the creation of popularity indices from sociometric data are described. One involves a factor analysis of the sociometric matrix and the other two are different approaches to the weighting of sociometric choices. All turn out to have the same mathematical solution when the relationships are symmetric; it is certain…

This paper presents a method of identifying classroom social structures that can be used by teachers involved with writing behavioral objectives and Individualized Education Plans (IEP). By measuring the classroom environment, one has a greater probability of achieving the desired learning environment. A sociometric test enables the teacher to…

Investigation of the social preferences of typically developing children (N=40) toward peers (N=19) with special needs in inclusive preschool classrooms found the children with special needs received few positive playmate preference nominations, but did not receive a significant number of negative nominations. Children were disliked if they were…

Peer relationships represent a strong determinant in the development of prosocial behavior. This study compared the relationship of two sociometric methods (a peer nomination and a peer assessment technique) with parent and teacher ratings of social skills and problem behaviors. A peer nomination technique was used to determine the social status…

This rating scale was developed to yield a measure of peer acceptance and socialization for students in grades 1-6. Each child is asked to consider his classmates in terms of three sets of questions, each set having 20 items. The child responds to the question by circling yes or no or sometimes on the answer sheet. Items are organized around three…

The purpose of this study was to see if a social learning method for training verbal social skills might influence the social effectiveness of third grade children with low peer acceptance. Children were trained in three verbal skills: asking questions of peers; leading peers (e.g., offering useful suggestions or directions); and, offering…

The purposes of this study were to learn about: (1) ways of identifying children not accepted by their peers, (2) the behavioral correlates of peer acceptance, and (3) strategies of teaching social skills to isolated children. Sociometric assessment, behavioral observations, and teacher and peer interviews were obtained in eight 3rd-, 4th-, and…

This paper examines the power of particular affect and rejection socioquestions to produce characteristic patterns across all the sociometric choices of 576 fifth-graders in 18 classrooms. Of particular concern are the degrees of centrality exhibited in response to socioquestions which pertain to academic competence and failure and the overall…