p
 

m
 p
 

Õ Term derived from Latin µsocius¶ and µmetrum¶ i.e. a

measurement of the degree of relatedness among
people by carrying out indirect methods of
observation
Õ A useful working definition of Sociometry: a
methodology for tracking the energy vectors of
interpersonal relationships in a group
m
 p
 

Õ Sociometry shows the patterns of how individuals

associate with each other when acting as a group

toward a specified end or goal (Criswell in Moreno,

1960, p. 140).
m
 p
 

Õ Moreno defined Sociometry as

The mathematical study of psychological
properties of populations, the experimental
technique of and the results obtained by
application of quantitative methods.
(Moreno, 1953, pp. 15-16)
m p
 

Sociometry is useful:
Õ for assessment of behavior within groups
Õ for interventions to bring about positive change and
determining the extent of change
Õ as a powerful tool for reducing conflict and
improving communication
Õ as a way of allowing the group to see itself
objectively and to analyze its own dynamics
Õ for assessing dynamics and development in groups
devoted to therapy or training
º   p
 
Õ Term coined by Jacob Levy Moreno in 1930s
Õ First sociometric study conducted by Moreno and
associates in 1930s in a school in New York
Õ Moreno devised his own sociometric method of
testing; others followed
Õ Sociometric testing is carried out in schools,
business corporations, military, therapy groups and
could be administered purposefully wherever a
group is present
p
 


Õ Sociometry is based on the fact that people make
choices in interpersonal relationships
Õ Choices are always made on some basis or criterion
Õ The criterion may be subjective, such as an intuitive
feeling of liking or disliking a person on first
impression
Õ The criterion may be more objective and conscious,
such as knowing that a person does or does not
have certain skills needed for the group task