Social impact and social preference as determinants of children's peer group status

• Published in: Developmental psychology 1983-11, Vol.19 (6), p.856-867
• Main Authors: Newcomb, Andrew F, Bukowski, William M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Child development; Developmental psychology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Human; Interpersonal Attraction; Peer Evaluation; Peer Relations; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Sociometric Tests
• ISSN: 0012-1649; 1939-0599
• DOI: 10.1037/0012-1649.19.6.856

Evaluated 3 sociometric procedures utilizing a 2-dimensional social-impact and social-preference framework on 3 samples of 4th and 5th graders ( n s = 334, 173, and 89). The stability and distribution of classification, the relationship between dimensions, the validation of dimensions, and the validation of classification groups were considered. The method proposed by J. Peery appeared most problematic, and the procedure proposed by J. Coie et al was found to have nonexhaustive groups and the potential of misrepresenting Ss' social networks when standardized scores were used. An alternative 2-dimensional sociometric model based on probability theory was found to have excellent performance characteristics while still providing a constant frame of reference across social networks. The social reputational correlates of the impact and preference dimensions and the sociometric groups proposed by each model were investigated. Although social impact and social preference were reliable and valid determinants of peer group status, the need for alternative indicators of children's social standing in the peer group is discussed. (35 ref)