Presents a conceptual framework to guide understanding of the peer network. Uses this network approach to study changes in younger adolescents' popularity over a six-month period. Reports that changes in popularity are related to the child's initial level of aggression, observable prominence, and the popularity of the child's best friend.…

Residential programming has become an important treatment modality for adolescents with psychiatric disturbances. The importance of peer relations in treatment settings suggests a need for an objective assessment of these relations. Sociometric procedures were used to study the peer relationships of adolescents in a 15-bed residential treatment…

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…

Fourth graders (n=69) were assigned to science learning conditions on a stratified random basis controlling for handicap, sex, and age. Results indicate that continued use of cooperative learning contingencies promote positive growth in interpersonal attraction, social acceptability, and self-esteem between handicapped and nonhandicapped students.

Two parallel studies evaluated the manner in which variations in sociometric formulations highlight differing effects of academic status on social acceptance in the classroom. The contingency between sociometric formulation and outcome was consistent with level of aspiration and social exchange theories. (Author/LMO)

Noting that a child's peer competence and sociometric status not only are important indices of the child's current social functioning, but may also predict adolescent adaptation, this study examined the antecedents in peer competence and sociometric status in early and late elementary school years of five peer reputation dimensions. These five…

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…

This study examined fourth- and fifth-grade girls' cognitions of their relationally aggressive peers as a function of their own relationally aggressive and sociometric status. Findings indicated that relationally aggressive girls tended to display a relatively cautious and wary social cognitive style in relationally provocative social situations.…

Defined peer-rated, narrow-band dimensions of undercontrolled behavior of 362 third through sixth grade boys that was associated with peer rejection. Results revealed three narrow-band dimensions in the peer perceptions of grade school boys: (1) aggression; (2) hyperactivity; and (3) inattention-immaturity. (SH)

Used new longitudinal clustering technique to identify and compare groups of children with distinct longitudinal profiles of peer social preference during elementary school. Identified a stable popular group, stable average group, and unpopular group, all with decreasing social preference. Groups showed overlap over time with closest corresponding…

In order to examine whether different results are obtained from two sociometric techniques for determining children's peer preferences in desegregated schools, two studies were conducted. The techniques compared were (1) the traditional peer nomination method, in which children list a few classmates whom they consider friends; and (2) the roster…

Two studies of nursery school children examined the relationship between friendships and sociometric judgments of social status. (Author/BB)

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…

The purpose of this study was to design an intervention strategy, including role-playing techniques and activities, and to train teachers in their use in the classroom in order to improve the social status of socially rejected children. Other objectives were to change teachers' and peers' perceptions of the rejected children as well as to change…