Network Analysis Methods to Measure Sociometric Status

This paper proposes an innovative methodological approach to measure sociometric status in small groups of pupils. Although it uses indirect data collected by interview, in this study the sociometric status is analysed by direct observation. This method is specifically suitable when the target population concerns pre-school children. Their cognitive competence, in fact, is not as well developed as their relational abilities. Hence, the indicators constructed are more reliable than the measures derived by the subjective perception of interviewed pupils. The Network Analysis methods allow for the definition of sociometric status by means of regular equivalence. Employing lambda sets and cliques, then, we specify further roles into distinctive small groups. The results show that sociometric status can be revealed by regular equivalence. Besides, the Network Analysis approach allows for the observation of further relational skills, not strictly associated with traditional social roles, detectable only through lambda sets and cliques.