Grounding their efforts on results of previous research, investigators have sought to improve peer relationships of unpopular children through direct instruction in social skills. Generally, such interventions have been effective in promoting specific outcomes. For example, skill-training programs improve children's ability to form colleague…

IN ORDER TO INSURE THAT ONLY THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE CAPABLE OF FACILITATING POSITIVE GROWTH WITHIN OTHERS ARE CHOSEN AS RESIDENT ASSISTANTS (RA), IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO USE A METHOD OF SELECTION THAT IS AS SCIENTIFIC AS POSSIBLE. THE PROBLEM WAS TO SEE HOW THE DEAN OF MEN'S OFFICE (DMO) SELECTIONS COMPARED WITH THE PEER-IDENTIFIED LEADERS…

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)

Third- and fifth-grade children were given three sociometric measures and were later individually interviewed on two occasions in response to three cartoon themes: (1) a child being teased by peers, (2) a child being yelled at by a peer, and (3) a child having a schoolwork problem. (JMB)

Using current sociometric procedure in regular intermediate grade classes, the study found that mainstreamed learning-disabled children (N=57 ) were disproportionately represented in the rejected and neglected sociometric groups and underrepresented in the popular and average groups. (DB)

Introduces the basic ideas of Jacob Moreno's (1934) historical model of sociometric judgment and discusses how developmental psychologists have used this model in child development research. Traces the development of sociometric techniques to study children's peer relations, and notes the limitations of contemporary sociometric techniques. (JPB)

The present study explored the heterogeneous nature of popularity by investigating subgroups of popular girls (N = 365) in their first year of secondary school (mean age = 13.05). Cluster analysis revealed the presence of five subgroups based upon sociometric popularity (i.e., those considered "likeable" by peers) and consensual popularity (i.e.,…

Evaluation of sociometric ratings assigned by and to 27 educable mentally retarded high school students partially mainstreamed found that retarded students rated their peers more negatively and received more negative ratings than matched (for race, grade, sex, socioeconomic status, participation in extracurricular activities) controls. (DB)

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

Examined stability and behavioral correlates of peer acceptance from kindergarten through second grade. Found that social acceptance and peer competence were relatively stable. Stably rejected children showed poorer peer and teacher ratings of social behavior than others; transiently rejected children were rated moderate in social skill. Changes…

Two peer evaluation measures, the Pupil Evaluation Inventory (PEI) and positive and negative nominations, were compared in 260 elementary students (grades one-five). PEI factors and negative nominations were more stable over a four-month period than positive nominations, and PEI Aggression and Withdrawal scores were more stable than negative…

This study examined the sociometric status of 79 children with current or suspected (mostly mild) disabilities in a full-inclusion elementary school, using a positive and negative peer nomination technique for the school's 592 students. Full inclusion did not eliminate negative social perceptions of students with disabilities. (Author/SW)