Put simply, sociograms are graph database that visually displays social links between groups of people. It’s a great tool to understand dynamics within certain environments, as they provide an insight that will be valuable when it comes to improving communication, encouraging participation, and meeting a child’s overall needs. It can act as an effective early indicator of social concerns, which may require further exploration.
Child development experts often claim that the first seven years of a child’s life are the most important in terms of determining their individual attachment styles, which will have a profound impact on their relationships in later life. From the age of around four is when children begin interacting with others, and start to understand how to properly express their emotions.
Address social issues at an early stage
Because this is such a formative stage, it’s important to be aware of emerging social issues, and address them early. As teachers spend at least 30 hours per week with their students, they can often be the first to flag any unbalanced friendships and social interactions, making tools such as a sociogram all the more important.
How can I draw a sociogram?
There are several different ways to draw a sociogram and the best is try to find a way that suits you. However, it is common to use a blank paper. Draw rings and lines between the persons who interacts with each other, with the arrowhead pointing to the person who is chosen.
Based on the arrows you can find out popular persons and persons that no one chooses, and may require extra attention from you.
Ethical dilemmas
Many people maybe would react doing sociometry might lead to hurt children’s feelings and they wondering why are being asked these questions. Some important key issues to ensure the ethical use of sociometry include:
• Explain the reasons for asking the questions
• Be totally clear about who will see the results and what they will be used for
• Be 100% sure that the student can complete the survey confidentially
However, research into the use of sociometry in schools shows that most children enjoyed the process and did not feel that their peers treated them any differently afterward (Mayeux, Underwood & Risser, 2007).
How do you do a Sociogram observation?
The adult observes the children and which children they play with, what they play, and how long they play. Each time a child changes activity or playmate, you make a note about the change and after the observation, the events and activities that have arisen are compiled in the form of a sociogram.
In short, there are four different types of observational research that you can do, from that you yourself participate and are involved in the actual observation activities to that you observe from a distance.
I will go through the different types and try to explain the differences between them.
The complete observer
This may not be the most popular and socially accepted observation variant. It means that you as an observer keep your distance and completely invisible to those you observe. The advantage of the Complete Observer is that the children will probably act completely naturally in their environment as they are not aware that they are under your supervision.
Observer as Participant
This type of observation means that you as an observer are known by the children you observe. Possibly, but not necessarily, they also know the purpose of your observation.
However, you are not at all involved in play and activities with the children but stay at a short distance and are completely neutral between the children so you do not risk affecting the integration between the children.
Participant as Observer
In this type of observation, you go one step further and are fully integrated with the students/children and they are also aware that they are under observation.
You also do not have to be neutral to the group and the individuals you observe but can interact and act normally (except that you may take some memory notes)
Complete Participant
The Complete Participant is almost exactly like “Participant as an observer” except that those you observe are not at all aware that your purpose is to observe them.
Extrovert, Introvert, or in between?
Do you love hanging out with many different people 24/7 or do you prefer to lock yourself in at home with a TV or book as your main companion?
Society has historically rewarded extrovert extensively, while the introvert is seen more as a weakness or even a problem. If you are an introvert, you have probably heard the phrases “you really should try to talk a little more” or “you need to think a little more” in various contexts.
Regardless of personality, all children must feel supported, valued, and respected. This is especially important to capture and manage already during the early student years or even earlier.
The introverted friend may need more time to process what they are thinking before communicating. Maybe they also prefer to hang out with a little fewer friends. The extrovert friend may just be talking, constantly interacting, and wanting to hang out with everyone. Ambiverts (the “in-between”, who make up at least half of the population) may enjoy both great socializing, but can also appreciate the solitude.
Studying group dynamics based on the above is thus a very important job for all schools to address and have plans for. Staff in the school must do everything to obtain a clear picture of which social relationships are valid and also how these relationships change over time. Creating a sociogram can be a great way for you to document this work and get a good overview of the groups.