2-132 - Topics in Sociometric Methodology and Analysis

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Sociometric methods have been central to the study of adolescent peer relationships and interpersonal behavior for more than eight decades, but there are still many open questions regarding best practices for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

The four papers in the current symposium (representing samples collected on four continents) each use modern analytical methods to address a longstanding and vital question in sociometric methodology. The first paper compares multiple approaches to evaluating and establishing measurement invariance when conducting cross-cultural peer nomination research. The second paper explores the use of longitudinal count regression methods for peer nomination data, which allow researchers to identify and model typologies among children’s developmental trajectories. The third paper evaluates the effectiveness and assesses the psychometric properties of computer-based (as opposed to traditional pencil-and-paper) data collection of sociometric ratings among preschoolers. The final paper explores the impact on reliability and validity of including versus excluding nonparticipating adolescents (e.g., individuals without consent) as potential nominees in peer nomination measures.

Each of these four talks will end with a list of concrete suggestions, recommendations, and considerations for researchers interested in sociometric methods. Ample time will also be set aside for audience questions and comments, and we believe that the papers will serve as excellent jumping-off points for discussion.

Sub Unit

• Methods, History, Theory

Chair

• Peter E. L. Marks, Austin College

Individual Presentations

• Exploration of Cross-Cultural Measurement Invariance Using Highly Skewed Peer Nomination Data - Presenting Author: Ellyn Charlotte Bass, University of Nebraska, Omaha; Lina Maria Saldarriaga, Red PaPaz, Bogota, Colombia; Josafa Moreira da Cunha, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil; Bin-Bin Chen, Fudan University; Jonathan Bruce Santo, University of Nebraska, Omaha; William M. Bukowski, Concordia University

• Modeling Typologies of Longitudinal Sociometric Nomination Trajectories: Theoretical, Statistical, and Practical Considerations - Presenting Author: Richard A. Faldowski, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Heidi Gazelle, University of Melbourne

• Psychometric Properties of Computerized Sociometric Assessment for Young Children - Presenting Author: Antonius H. N. Cillessen, Developmental Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University; Hinke M. Endedijk, Utrecht University

• Effects of Including versus Excluding Nonparticipants as Potential Nominees in Peer Nomination Measures - Presenting Author: Peter E. L. Marks, Austin College; Ben Babcock, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; Yvonne Hendrika Maria van den Berg, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Antonius H. N. Cillessen, Developmental Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University