Diagnostics of interpersonal relationships (Sociometry by J. Moreno)

Sociometry in psychology is a method for studying interpersonal relationships in a group. The author of the direction is J. Moreno. The psychotherapist has developed both a separate technique with a similar name for studying groups, and an entire direction. In a broad sense, sociometry is a set of methods for studying relationships in a group. Let's take a closer look at what sociometry is, when and what it is used for, and how to use sociometric research correctly. We will also define the basic concepts and procedures of the sociometry method.

Definition of the concept

The name “sociometry” is derived from two Latin words: socius, which translates as “comrade, companion, accomplice”, and metrim, which means “measurement”. Thus, literally “sociometry” is translated as “measurement of accomplices.” Sociometry is an applied science that is based on psychological, sociological teachings and does not have a unique status.

Who developed the sociometry method? The author of the theory and research methodology is psychologist, sociologist and psychiatrist J. Moreno. The researcher believed that all social problems can be solved by regulating relationships between people. However, for this it is necessary to determine the nature of interpersonal and intergroup relations. For this purpose, the sociometry method was created. Sociometry is based on group psychotherapy.

What process is sociometry used to study? Sociometry is a method of psychological research that is used to describe and study interpersonal relationships in a team. Sociometry allows you to collect primary information about a small social group for further analysis. The cause of the conflict, according to sociometry, is the difference in people’s beliefs and contradiction in emotional relationships.

Interesting! Moreno first used the concept of “sociometry” while working in a refugee camp. Then the psychologist suggested that fewer conflicts and contradictions would arise between people if they were settled not chaotically, but according to nationality, religious and political beliefs, and other interests.

Some techniques for creating positive relationships

The educational psychologist conducts the following activities:

1. Qualitative increase in the level of self-esteem;
2. Creating conditions for self-expression (games that develop creativity);
3. Creation of a comfortable environment;
4. Staging and playing various scenes (performances);
5. Improvisation;
6. Elimination of negative habits, personality traits and unwanted moods;
7. Formation of positive character traits in children.

The whole point of events is to establish an atmosphere conducive to the free expression of activity. This is, to some extent, “emancipation”, problem solving . That is, the specialist’s task is this: to remove interference that provokes an unfavorable sociometric structure of the children’s group.

The result should be a balanced, harmonious team with minimal manifestation of the expression of individual individuals of the group. If there is any change in the composition of the team, sociometry is repeated some time after adaptation.

The purpose of sociometry

The purpose of sociometry as a research method in psychology is to improve and optimize the interaction of those individuals who are part of the group being examined. Objectives of sociometry:

1. Determine the degree of cohesion or disunity between team members.
2. Identify authoritative people, likes and dislikes within the group.
3. Discover mini-unions within a large team, led by informal leaders.

Sociometry is resorted to if there are noticeable signs of an unfavorable psychological climate in the team, disunity of participants, conflicts, contradictions, decreased performance and productivity. The data obtained during sociometry can be used for further restructuring of the team. The overall result and achievement of common goals depends on the cohesion of the group.

Important! Sociometry indicates likes and dislikes within a team, but does not name specific problems. To more accurately determine psychological problems and eliminate them, it is necessary to use additional diagnostic techniques, for example, conversation, surveys, projective tests.

Why is sociometry needed?

Jacob Moreno believed that absolutely any aspect of social life: political, sports, educational or economic, can be explained by relationships between individuals that arise on an emotional level, that is, on the basis of antipathies and sympathies that arise between individuals in the process of communication or other interaction . Therefore, Moreno proposed to carry out a so-called sociometric revolution in society, the goal of which is to improve and bring harmony to social relations .

These relationships, in his opinion, are in many cases conflictual and ineffective due to the fact that people, no matter what social stratum or class they belong to, interact on an emotional level. From this he concluded: in order to improve labor productivity or resolve long-standing political feuds, it is necessary to identify the emotional preferences of individuals, and then rearrange people in accordance with the identified patterns. This, from Moreno’s point of view, is the meaning and purpose of the “sociometric revolution ”.

Theses

Key provisions regarding the methodology for studying interpersonal relationships using sociometry:

1. All of humanity is a single structured unit, since all people are interconnected and influence each other.
2. Under no conditions or methods can it be possible to completely objectively assess the existing reality, since it consists of many subjective realities. Each person has his own point of view regarding the processes taking place in the world and in the team.
3. It is advisable to conduct research in a group that is united by a common activity (another criterion) for at least six months.
4. Each member of the group must clearly and accurately understand the criterion put forward for the study.
5. The research is carried out by an outsider; for example, you can invite a freelance psychologist. However, at the same time, the sociometrist must become part of the diagnostic team.
6. Sociometric research helps to understand the nature of relationships in a group, but it does not indicate the reasons and motives for people’s behavior.

Method of study

One of the most effective ways to study relationships in a small group is the sociometric method. On the one hand, it is intended to quantify the preferences, indifferences or aversions that individuals receive in the process of interpersonal communication and interaction. On the other hand, data from sociometric analysis are widely used in studying the well-being of an individual in a group, in determining the structure of primary groups, in studying the methods and forms of distribution of authority and leadership in small groups, in diagnosing the level of business activity, etc.

Sociometric procedure

What is the sociometry method? Sociometric research is carried out in small groups (12–15 people). A small group is an entity in which people are united according to some criterion, type of activity or conditions of existence. Sociometric research is carried out in two types of groups:

1. Membership group. In this case, people are formally united. For example, a work team.
2. Reference group. In this case, people are united by some kind of interest, business, that is, all participants are significant to each other. For example, a group of friends, a subcultural association.

In addition, the following types of groups can be distinguished:

• diffuse (based on likes and dislikes);
• association (each participant pursues personal goals);
• corporation (group pursues antisocial goals);
• team (each participant is interested in achieving personal and common goals).

Why are we talking about this? Because the type of group is important for analyzing and evaluating the results of a sociometric study.

Concepts used in sociometry

1. “Body” is the most important concept used by sociometrists. It means the simplest sensory unit that can be transmitted from one person to another. With the help of “tele”, scientists determine how many interpersonal relationships the individuals being studied have entered into and how successful their interactions were.
2. Based on the “body”, sociograms, sociometric matrices and indices . What it is? As a result of a sociometric study conducted using methods that will be discussed in detail below, scientists calculate coefficients that allow one to judge cohesion, the presence or absence of communication between group members, the presence of hidden conflicts and other parameters characterizing the object under study. These coefficients are entered into a matrix, with their help sociometric indices are calculated, relationships between individuals are graphically displayed on a sociogram, and sociometrists, based on them, can provide a reasonable conclusion about the existing interpersonal connections in the group being studied.

Diagnostics

The main means of sociometry is the technique of the same name. However, for the most complete picture and accurate result, it is recommended to use other tools. For example, you can refer to the Leary questionnaire (1957). Like the classical technique of sociometry, it diagnoses interpersonal relationships in a group and the properties of each of its participants.

The Leary Questionnaire identifies 8 personality types:

• authoritative and leading;
• self-centered;
• straightforward-aggressive;
• skeptical;
• obedient;
• dependent-obedient;
• cooperating;
• patronizing.

In addition, based on the results, you can obtain the characteristics of each person on two scales:

• independence and dominance or dependence and submission;
• benevolence and love (emotional acceptance) or aggressiveness and hatred (rejection).

Each participant is asked to respond to 128 statements. The researcher then analyzes the responses and presents the final results in tabular and graphical form.

In addition to the Leary questionnaire, you can use other diagnostic techniques for sociometric research, for example, the following:

1. Study of the level of empathy tendencies, author – I.M. Yusupov. Each survey participant answers 36 statements.
2. “Choice in Action”, author – Ya.L. Kolominsky. This technique is often used to diagnose preschool groups.
3. “Leader”, author – R.S. Nemov. A person has to answer 50 questions. Based on the results of the study, we can say how well each of the respondents corresponds to the role of leader.
4. Assinger Questionnaire. Helps determine how correct a person is in communicating with other team members, and whether he easily finds a common language.
5. OMO (Interpersonal Relations Questionnaire), author – A.A. Rukavishnikov. Characterizes the characteristics of human behavior from the point of view of satisfying the basic needs of the individual in the group.
6. Other. There are dozens of auxiliary psychology methods for sociometry.

Sociometric group structure

There is a formal group structure, there is an informal structure, and there is a sociometric one. Its peculiarity is that this method allows you to assess the subjective attitude of people towards each other. Their likes and dislikes have little to do with the objective position of individuals in the group, their professional, business qualities, and often personal ones too. This should be taken into account, for example, by a manager who wants to use the results of sociometry to distribute functions in a team or class.

Sociometric statuses

This is the most important component of the sociometric structure. The status is determined based on the choices received by the individual.

“Sociometric stars” have the largest number of elections and, accordingly, the highest status. They are liked by many members of the group, and sometimes by the majority. But it would be a mistake to identify “stars” with leaders, since they may not have the qualities necessary for a leader: organizational skills, energy and activity, rigidity and demandingness. “Stars” are most often just pleasant, sympathetic and sympathetic people. And having been appointed to the position of formal leader, a “star” may partially lose the sympathy of his comrades, since the leader sometimes has to make unpopular decisions or put pressure on group members.

Following the stars are the high-status or “preferred” ones. They received fewer elections than the "stars", but have significant authority in the group, and most often have a potential leader among them.

Next are two statuses, the boundary between which is rather fluid. In relatively small groups they are not even separated. These are mid-status and low-status. They do not have many negative or positive choices. Often individuals with this status form closed microgroups, choosing each other and not communicating much with others.

The next status is “outcasts”. These are individuals who received more negative than positive choices.

“Neglected” or “outcasts” are group members who received only negative choices.

“Isolated” – Social psychologists consider people who have received neither positive nor negative choices to be of the lowest status. Their position in the interpersonal hierarchy is even worse than that of the “outcasts.” “Isolated” do not seem to exist at all for the group.

Sociometric statuses are not strictly defined and can change. Of course, moving from the status of “outcast” to the status of “star” is almost impossible, but becoming “preferred” is quite possible.

How is sociometric research carried out?

Sociometric research is based on a sociological survey. The survey procedure itself consists of several stages.

How to conduct sociometry:

1. Preparation. It is necessary to determine the subject, object, goals and objectives of the study. And also at this stage you need to collect as much information as possible about the group as a whole and about each individual participant.
2. Warm up. This stage involves meeting with the group, establishing trusting contact, and explaining the criteria for the study.
3. The survey itself. The presenter gives brief instructions to the subjects, distributes diagnostic materials, gives time to fill out forms, and collects materials.
4. Processing sociometry results. The researcher evaluates the answers and checks them for validity and reliability.
5. Results. The researcher interprets the results and makes recommendations for improving the climate in the group, changing its structure, etc.

The list of questions is compiled on an individual basis. Each question should reflect a situation that is relevant and understandable to group members. For example, when diagnosing a sports team, questions may be related to training, victory celebrations, away competitions, changes in team composition, etc.

The criteria are:

• formal and informal (business and personal relationships);
• double and single (relations between colleagues and in the “superior-subordinate” system);
• prognostic (how adequately an individual participant perceives the nature of the existing relationship);
• significant and insignificant (deep, stable relationships and superficial relationships).

Conditions for selecting criteria:

• limited (maximum 8–10);
• logical connection between all criteria and questions;
• the significance and interest of the criteria for group members;
• clarity of criteria for group members;
• maximum specifics and examples based on real situations.

All criteria are written in a column; opposite each question, the test taker will have to put his choice (surnames or pre-agreed numbers of group members).

Example of a sociometric card:

As for the answer options, there are two types of research: with a limited number of choices (parametric form of sociometry) and with an unlimited number of choices (nonparametric). The method of selection must be discussed in advance with the survey participants.

Conditions for conducting sociometry

Obtaining adequate research results is possible only if certain rules are followed:

1. Conduct sociometry for preschoolers using a set of methodological techniques, including observation;
2. Testing should be carried out by a person with whom the child will feel comfortable;
3. Unauthorized (third) persons must be excluded from the premises at the time of diagnosis;
4. The entire process of sociometry should be perceived as a game;
5. It is unacceptable to correct the answers or somehow direct them to the answer (because the purpose of testing is to determine the actual place in the group).

Sociometry results

The results of standard sociometry can be presented in the form of a table, sociogram, indices (we talked about this in more detail in another article). In short, sociometry records the following:

• positive and negative choices regarding each group member;
• people who received the maximum and minimum number of elections;
• people who didn't get any elections at all;
• rating of likes and dislikes;
• mutual elections in general and regarding each participant;
• the presence and composition of mini-groups within the study group;
• communication between mini groups or lack thereof;
• level of disunity and cohesion of the group;
• dynamics and structure of relationships within the group;
• psychological climate in the group;
• the status of each person within the group.

And a sociogram in sociometry, built using a sociomatrix, also allows you to clearly identify all this. Analysis of the results of other surveys is carried out according to the keys in the selected methods. The most important thing is to compare the results of all tests. If you see that the answers from different methods, but from the same area, diverge, then this indicates dishonesty of the respondents, attempts to cheat. If different methods indicated the same problem, then there is no need to doubt its presence.

As a result, you should draw up a general portrait of the group and recommendations for improving the performance of each participant and the productivity of the group as a whole. For example, if we are talking about analyzing a class, then it is possible to seat the identified instigators of a breakdown in discipline. If we are talking about diagnosing a work team, then the identified negative leader can be transferred to another department. Or you can identify two conflicting people and invite them to a separate conversation, etc.

Sociometry method.

The sociometry method is completely specific to social psychology. Sociometry allows us to identify features of the structure of informal relationships in a group (groups); find out the degree of psychological compatibility of specific people; study the intragroup status of participants in group associations; explore the quality of the psychological climate in the group.

Sociometry is a theory and holistic practical method of psychodiagnostic socio-psychological measurement of interpersonal and intragroup relations, the author of which is the Austrian-American psychologist and sociologist Jacob (Jacob) Levi Moreno (1892–1974). In his opinion, the mental state and adequacy of a person’s behavior largely depend on the position he occupies in the informal structure of a small group. Lack of sympathy becomes both a consequence of interpersonal problems and their source. According to J. Moreno, sociometry is a method of primary diagnosis of the presence of certain problems in relationships. The undoubted advantage of this method is that intragroup relations receive concrete expression in the form of tables, diagrams, graphs, and numerical values.

The sociometry method refers to the tools for socio-psychological research into the structure of small groups, as well as the study of personality as a member of a group. The “Sociometry” technique is used to measure group properties and records certain properties of the group as an integral entity. Methodologically justified use of the arsenal of the sociometric method allows one to obtain serious theoretical conclusions about the processes of functioning and development of the group, and also, ultimately, achieve practical results. Repeated measurements carried out in the same group make it possible to examine the dynamics of relationships in the group.

Thus, the area of ​​measurement using sociometric technology is the diagnosis of interpersonal and intragroup relationships. Using the sociometric method, they study the typology of social behavior in group activities, evaluate the cohesion and compatibility of group members. The sociometry method was developed by J. Moreno as a way to study emotionally immediate relationships within a small group. The measurement involves interviewing each member of a small group in order to identify those group members with whom he would prefer (choose) or, on the contrary, would not want (not choose) to participate in a certain type of activity or interact in any situation. The sociometric measurement procedure includes the following elements: determining the option (number) of choices (deviations); selection of survey criteria (questions); organizing and conducting a survey; processing and interpretation of results using quantitative (sociometric indices) and graphic (sociogram) analysis methods.

The sociometric procedure is carried out in two forms. The nonparametric procedure involves answering survey questions without limiting the number of choices or rejections. Their maximum number is N – 1 (sociometric constant), where N is the number of group members. The advantage of this option is associated with identifying the so-called emotional expansiveness of each group member. With group sizes of up to 12–16 people, the likelihood of receiving a random selection increases. Parametric procedure – limiting the number of choices. The subjects are asked to choose a strictly fixed number of people from all members of the group, i.e. a so-called sociometric constraint (d) is introduced. This form increases the reliability of measurement and makes it possible to standardize election conditions in groups of different sizes. Its disadvantage is associated with the inability to reveal the fullness of relationships in the group. There are different types of sociometric criteria: communicative (reveal real relationships, gnostic (determine the degree of awareness of real relationships), double and single, role, etc. The choice of criteria is associated with the problem of determining their number and specialization in the sociometric questionnaire. It is recommended to specialize and select criteria based on from a preliminary analysis of the group’s life, highlighting situations that are especially significant for the group, i.e., mediated by the tasks and goals facing the group, use a general, fundamental criterion to identify the “deep” connection of group members.The latter involves the use of questions related to the assessment of the general emotional the state of the subjects subject to the disintegration of the group in the future, for example, in the case of reorganization of the group or team, its relocation, reorganization, etc. - “Which member of your team would you like to stay with if it is reorganized?”

The results of the study can be presented in the form of a sociometric matrix (table), which includes all choices and (or) deviations made or assumed by group members, as well as in the form of a sociogram, graphically depicting the results obtained, or in the form of various sociometric indices that provide a quantitative representation about the position of the individual in the group, as well as an assessment of the group as a whole. Sociometric indices are divided into two groups: individual and group. Individual indicators include: sociometric status - the magnitude of the positivity or negativity of the group’s attitude towards its individual member, which is determined by the ratio of the number of choices and rejections that the individual received to their maximum possible number. The index of emotional (psychological) expansiveness is the degree of activity of an individual in interaction with other members of the group, the need to make contact with them. It is calculated as the ratio of the number of choices and deviations made by an individual relative to group members to their maximum possible number. To characterize the position of an individual in a group, other indices are calculated, for example, the “prescribed role”, the individual’s acceptance by the group, etc. However, the main difficulty lies in their interpretation and comparison with known socio-psychological concepts. The most popular group indices include the following: indicators of group expansiveness (the intensity of group interaction), group integration (the degree of involvement of group members in communication in a particular type of activity or situation), indicators of cohesion and a number of others.

Let us emphasize that one of the most significant scientific and practical innovations of J. Moreno is the so-called sociogram. This is a specific pictorial diagram, which represents several concentric circles containing graphic aspects of the sociometric status of group members. Each circle corresponds to the number of preferences in a given group (the closer to the center, the more preferences). Preferences are identified through surveys or other research. The most popular group member (or several such members) in a given group is placed in the center, then the less popular ones, in descending order, up to the outcasts (outer circle). Lines with arrows are drawn between individuals, indicated by circles, indicating mutual, or one-sided, sympathy or antipathy.

Thus, graphical analysis of data is carried out by constructing sociograms. A sociogram allows you to clearly identify subgroups (groupings), positive, conflict or tense “areas” within group relations, “popular” members (individuals who have the maximum number of choices) or “rejected” (individuals who received the maximum number of rejections or minimum number of elections), determine the leader of the group. There are two types of sociograms: collective and individual. Most often, a target sociogram is used to display the structure of relationships in a group. It consists of several concentric circles (Fig. 1), in the center of which “popular individuals” are placed, “rejected” are placed in the outer ring, and “averagely popular” are placed in the inner ring.

Rice. 1. An example of a “target sociogram”.

Usually, several collective sociograms are compiled for one group : mutual elections, mutual deviations, the first two (five) elections and some others. Individual sociograms allow for a more subtle analysis of the position of a particular member in a group: to distinguish the position of the leader from the position of the “popular” members of the group. A clear leadership position is often determined by the following aspect: who exactly among the group’s members prefers in their elections its “popular” members.

So, most often, “sociometry” is a comprehensive method for studying intragroup connections and hierarchy in small groups that allows modifications of the general test task (while maintaining the principle of identifying ranks).

Methodology “Sociometry” by J. Moreno, adapted by Ya.L. Kolominsky. When conducting the “Sociometry” method in study groups, students are presented with sociometric questions, the answers to which are the names of the members of the study group (for each question - 3 names, except your own name). The instructions are standard: “Answer the questions posed by writing under each of them three names of their classmates, taking into account the students who are absent today.”

We present here one of our versions of sociometric questions using this method.

1. Who would you definitely like to continue studying with in the next grade?

2. Who from your class would you definitely invite to your birthday?

3. Who from your class would you gladly (go) to the cinema with?

4. Who in your class would you really like to be friends with in middle and high school?

5. If you were given a fairly large sum of money and told to share it with three of your classmates, who would it be?

6. Who in the class will you give to copy the test first?

7. Who in your class would you trust with your deepest secret?

8. Who can't you imagine your class without?

9. Who from your class would you like to see as often as possible in your free time?

10. Who from your class would you like to be friends with for the rest of your life?

11. With whom in your class would you like to make some kind of craft for an art exhibition?

12. Who from your class would you like to take on your team to participate in any outdoor games?

13. Who from your class would you really like to attend an after-school group with?

14. Who in your class would you like to do homework with?

Referentometry.

With a sociometric approach to a group, the main factor of choice in the system of interpersonal relationships is likes and dislikes. A qualitative socio-psychological modification of the sociometry method is referentometry.

Referentometry is a socio-psychological methodological technique for identifying the fact of referent (personal) preference. The people to whom an individual listens very carefully are his reference group (a group of persons who are especially significant for the subject).

Referentiality is a social relationship of personal significance that connects a subject with another person or group of persons. The reference procedure is very informative; it gives an accurate idea of ​​the status structure and reciprocity of preferences. The basis for the choice is the value factor of significance for the personality of any other persons. All this forces the subject to show high selectivity in relation to persons in the group whose position is most relevant for him. At the same time, the measure of reference (preference for another person) of any subject is determined here indirectly, through the subject’s (interviewee) showing interest in this subject .

Types of sociometry for schoolchildren

There are various ways to conduct sociometry:

• Questioning

This is the easiest for to understand , but difficulties may arise if the child does not yet have the skills to read and write. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the age and ability of the group. Quick to carry out, takes about 15 minutes.

• Oral survey

In this version of sociometric research, it is recommended to use photographs of students in the class, because at the initial stages of education the child may not know all the names of his classmates.

Conducting research this way requires a lot of time to collect detailed information.

• Projective color version of sociometry

Designed for individual examination, it requires specifically prepared chips of different colors and a board.

• A simplified version of the projective color technique

Students must match a specific color with each group member. The data is interpreted based on the interpretation of color choices.

• Color non-projective sociometry

Forms are prepared for the subjects, which indicate a list of classmates, and an empty field opposite each one. The child paints the empty field with a certain color, based on which the data is interpreted.

Sociometry processing

The sociometry method involves fairly simple processing of the results. Each choice of the child is recorded by an adult on a piece of paper and then entered into a special table. The top line and first left column are lists of children. Inside the table are the children's choices. As a rule, positive elections are marked in red, negative ones are marked in blue. The data below is the average election results.

Based on the table, the adult draws a conclusion about the status of each child in the children's team.

• “Leaders” are children who have the most positive choices.
• “Accepted” - with a sufficiently large number of positive choices compared to negative ones.
• “Ignored” ones whose selection result is zero.
• “Rejected” are children who have a large number of negative choices compared to positive ones.
• “Outcasts” are children with a large number of negative choices.

It is also worth considering that one of the children may be on sick leave, or recently returned from sick leave. Then it is not surprising that they may fall into the “ignored” category, since their classmates could simply forget about them.

You also need to pay attention to how the child comments on each of his choices. He can choose a peer not for some strong-willed qualities, but, for example, because he treated him to candy yesterday.

Based on the children’s choice, the cohesion coefficient of the children’s team is calculated.

Conducting a sociometric test

Preparatory work

For study, a group of people of different ages is selected, consisting of members of children's, school and adult groups, within which certain psychological communication and social interaction are observed. The criteria for sociometric choice, as a result of which an individual determines a leader or a victim , are determined depending on the age of the group members and the tasks set at the beginning of the study.

The results are determined after conducting a survey in the form of a sociometric test . The criteria can be in the form of informal or formal content. Formal research aims to identify interpersonal relationships within the overall activities of the group for which it was created. Informal content reveals emotional connections that arise for leisure activities, but do not affect the main joint work.

Before starting a sociometric survey, the instructor provides an explanation of the purpose of studying relationships, emphasizing the importance of the veracity of the data obtained, shows an example of the work, and guarantees the secrecy of the expression of sympathy or antipathy towards other members of society. For the most complete selection of criteria for conducting a survey, the program dictates mandatory preliminary familiarization with the specific features of group activity.

The procedure for conducting sociometry according to the recommendations of J. Moreno

The standard survey scheme is as follows:

• the main provisions and hypotheses of the survey of individual participants are formed after identifying research tasks and selecting an object group for study;
• complete anonymity is considered as a criterion that drags research down the path of low efficiency;
• the instructor’s requirement to publicly demonstrate their likes and dislikes often leads to difficulties with answers and the reluctance of some participants to continue the sociometric survey;
• the selected criteria and questions are recorded on the card, and options for oral responses in the form of interviews have also been developed;
• The person participating in sociometry is obliged to answer questions, choosing those whom he could consider a leader or starve the outcast with inappropriate behavior.

Sample questions

Members of the team being studied answer questions that show their dislikes and sympathies for each other or for formal or informal leaders:

• you need to write on the piece of paper under the first number the details of the leader whom the participant would see in the leadership first;
• to the question under number two, indicate the answer to whom the subject would make the leader in the absence of the person under number one;
• Under the number three is the name of the person whom the team member would see in the leadership in the absence of the first and second candidates.

Questions about personal relationships in the group are asked in the same order. If there are doubts about the correctness of the answers, or the study does not reveal sociometric data, then the survey is carried out in a group several times until reliable information is obtained, and other questions are asked, for example:

• Which of his employees would the participant ask for help first?
• Which of them would a team member never ask for help?
• Which member of the group would he go on a long business trip with?
• Who would a participant refuse to work with on a business trip?
• Who would a team member make a leader?
• Whom does he not see in a leadership position, but, on the contrary, plagues him with a bad attitude?

Preliminary work

Social status, age, gender of the participants - all this is unimportant. The main thing is that people must be united by something, that is, be a group. This could be a class, a work team, a group of friends, a family, a club, a sports team. The first preparatory stage is to gather these people in one place.

The second preparatory stage in the sociometry method is to explain to participants the significance of the study, its goals and objectives. In addition, it is important to emphasize that the sincerity and openness of the participants will significantly simplify the procedure and allow achieving the most accurate results. Explain that the well-being of each participant depends on the socio-psychological climate in the team, and vice versa.

The third important preparatory stage of the sociometry technique is the determination of the criterion for selecting likes and dislikes. This criterion is the basis of diagnostic questions. The choice of criterion depends on the objectives of the study. What we are considering: business or personal relationships, emotionality, moral climate, etc. The criterion is the type of activity regarding which participants will choose likes and dislikes. I propose to look in more detail using examples.

If you want to determine, using sociometry techniques, informal leaders in a team and the team’s attitude towards official leaders, then the following list of questions will do:

1. Who do you see as the leader of the team, who would you put first at the head of management?
2. And if choosing the first person is impossible, then who would you replace him with?
3. Who would you choose to lead if the first two candidates are unavailable?
4. Who would you never make a team leader?

What is sociometry

The term sociometry refers to socio-psychological testing that establishes the specifics of interaction between group and class participants. This technique was proposed by J. Moreno, who adhered to the idea that there is a relationship between the well-being of an individual and the formation of relationships with others.

At the moment, sociometric research is widely used both for testing adults and when working with children .

By analyzing a person's place in a social group , it is possible to find solutions to interpersonal and intrapersonal problems. The main purpose of the study is:

• conducting a quantitative measurement of the level of intimacy in a team, both psychological and emotional;
• identifying and studying the presence of small groups in a team;
• identifying leaders.

This technique is widespread at all stages of the educational process. Schoolchildren must solve a difficult problem for themselves, make a conscious choice in favor of one or more group members.

For students in elementary grades, this task seems to be the most difficult , because they are only together during lessons, at this stage their joint activities are still poorly developed.

The communication process among junior schoolchildren is most often situational ; there are difficulties in finding a class leader.

Primary school students make their choice based on many criteria . Often, leading positions in a team include those who have good grades, developed intellectual abilities, or who have received the greatest number of encouragements from the teacher.

This says that children at this age do not express their likes and opinions, but are based on the teacher’s point of view and repeat it. That is why this technique is especially useful for a teacher in adjusting his attitude towards the class team, without singling out “favorites”.