Types, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages of Sociometric Techniques

Types, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages of Sociometric Techniques

J.L. Moreno and Hellen Jennings (1960) first introduced the sociological technique around 1960 as a means of a non-testing device. According to them,

“It is a means of presenting simply and graphically the structure of social relations, lines of communication and the patterns of friendship, attractions and rejection that exist at a given time among members of a particular group.”

This technique enables the counsellor or the guide to measure rejection and acceptance at frequent intervals between the group members. The common observation made by this technique is that most students like to stay together, some students may be liked by most, and some may only be like a few. These kinds of observations were made by the technique. The students’ aspects of development are also influenced by the social relationships that exist among them. 

Types of Sociometric Techniques 

Social Distance Scale

It was introduced by Bogardus where an individual has to provide specific statements associated with a social situation or person. The group is then supposed to rank them. The main purpose is to find out the group’s social interrelationship. 

Guess-Who Technique

It was developed by Hugh Hartshorne and Mark May. A list of characteristics are provided to the group members who then have to identify the concerned person. 

Communingram

It is used to determine the communication skills of a person in a group depending on how much they speak. 

Peer Rating

It is done to see the popularity of a person and to determine whether a member is liked by the other members or not. 

Uses of Sociometric Technique 

1. The technique enables the teacher to study the student’s choice through which the quality of social relationships among the students can be determined. 

2. It allows the teacher to identify which students are most liked by others and who is not to determine the better leader. 

3. It also allows the teacher to identify which students feel isolated and need assistance. 

4. It is a method of data collection and observation which is natural, simple, and economical. 

5. They are employable for a diverse range of research such as the laboratory as well as the field. 

Advantages of Sociometric technique 

1. It allows the teacher to identify group structures. 

2. It enables the teacher to detect relationship patterns among members of the group.

3. It can also be used to improve the mutual relationship of students in the classroom. 

4. Different measures can also be compared by the teacher. 

5. It can help the teacher to predict as well as identify group dynamics along with determining group identity. 

6. It is also an economical and cost effective method in terms of money as well as time. 

7. It can also come in handy for improving the social atmosphere in the classroom. 

Disadvantages of Sociometric technique 

1. The data collected by Sociometric technique is highly different from other kinds of data. 

2. The investigators and counsellors usually find difficulty in coming up with individual Sociometric measurements. 

3. Rating an individual by the opinion of a there can be an outdated practice.

4. Certain traits and qualities cannot be measured quite easily. 

5. There is a high chance that the measured data may be inaccurate and subjective. 

These are the various uses, types, advantages, and disadvantages of the sociometric technique.

follow on google news