WHAT IS SOCIOMETRY?

Abstract

Sociometry has been like the Bible; it has, and can be, used by many people in many ways. The way each decides to use it, as is true in many other things, depends on his interests, which are an outcome of his particular background, personality, training and opportunities.

My own interpretation of sociometry has been to take the word at its face value metry and socio-the measurement of the socius. It is a tool for scientific investigation into the nature of small group structure and of the patterns of inter-relationships that make it up. This approach reflects my own training as a research psychologist; that we have directed our Toronto efforts mainly to the realm of childhood is a result of my rich opportunity of being associated with an Institute primarily interested in developmental studies and having immediate access in its school to children of three to twelve years of age.