Research on indicators related to the state of child well-being is a growing field that has experienced several changes over time. The growing supply of data on children, as well as the need to facilitate conclusions and to track trends, has led researchers to develop a number of child well-being indexes. This paper critically reviews the most…

To explain country differences in an analytical or structural dependent variable, the application of a macro-micro-model containing contextual hypotheses is necessary. Our methodological study examines whether empirical studies apply such a model. We propose that a theoretical base for country differences is well described in multilevel studies,…

The purpose of this study was to measure the sets of adaptive capacities for Economic Development and Social Capital in the Norris et al. (2008) community resilience model with publicly accessible population indicators. Our approach involved five steps. First, we conducted a literature review on measurements of the capacities. Second, we created…

Reviews the empirical literature on the stability of sociometric categories and discusses four conceptual issues related to the stability of sociometric status. (JPB)

Discusses problems associated with the use of three approaches (natal, behavioral, and subjective) to the measurement of ethnicity. Describes factors associated with a lack of ethnic identification and implications of the existence of "nonethnics" for research on ethnicity. (Author/BE)

To date, the assessment methodology in the area has moved in two directions: sociometric measures (peer nomination and peer rating scales), which have provided the major means of identifying the socially competent child; and direct observation, principally employed in the specification of socially competent behaviors. (Author/DLS)

Integrations and segregation of handicapped students are discussed in conjunction with shortcomings of Public Law 94-142. Problems in measurement of social acceptance are presented, and sociometric status of various handicapped populations in regular classrooms is reviewed. Because exceptional children are typically unpopular among regular class…

Describes assessment strategies for individuals with disabilities: direct observation, sociometric measurements, attitude assessment instruments, probes, and expressive attitude assessment techniques. Suggests that the assessment strategy selected is dependent upon the aspect of attitudes to be examined. Suggests multimethod strategies based upon…

Reviews basic sociometric tools and their analysis, provides information on computer programs to analyze sociometric data, and briefly examines considerations in conducting sociometric investigations. Looks at the social atom (significant others), constructing sociometry questions, and offers an analysis of individual status and interactional…

Literature on sociometric assessment with preschoolers is reviewed, along with research with kindergartners and elementary school students. It is concluded that sociometric status can be reliably measured in preschoolers, although some research indicates that rating scales can be more reliable for use with young children than nomination scales.…

The author addresses and critiques the recent controversy between Bandura (1983) and Phillips and Orton (1983) over Bandura's recent article on modes of causation in social learning. The proper role of formal models in the analysis of social dynamics is also discussed. (Author/EGS)

Responds to Staddon's critique of the author's earlier article and addresses issues raised by Staddon's (1984) alternative models of causality. The author argues that it is not the formalizability of causal processes that is the issue but whether cognitive determinants of behavior are reducible to past stimulus inputs in causal structures.…

Research findings indicate that children who are unpopular with their peers play in less emotionally mature cognitive and social ways than do children who interact well socially. It is suggested that noncompetitive play in familiar environments may promote a behavior change in unpopular children. (JN)

A study attempted to develop an instrument for assessing social integration of ethnic groups in the classroom. Sociometric questionnaires were used to ask second-grade students to choose classmates whose company they most preferred. Preliminary findings indicate that gender is a more divisive factor within the classroom than ethnicity. (JN)

Explores the effects of different rates of classroom participation on the peer ratings of three student groups: students with learning disabilities; low-achieving nondisabled students; and average- and high-achieving students. Results suggested that, as the rate of classroom participation decreased, ratings tended to diverge increasingly from…