The theory and methodology of “sociometry” were developed by American psychiatrist Jacob Levi Moreno (1889–1974), who also coined the term. Moreno is also known for developing psychotherapeutic techniques of psychodrama and role playing. Moreno used sociometry as a methodological tool for uncovering the social and emotional structures of small groups. This is done by giving questionnaires to every member of a group and asking them to write in the answers to the question who, from other members of the same group, would they choose or avoid in specific roles. Answers in both options (choose or avoid) were to be put in a hierarchical order of three to five members of a group. These ratings are called ‘‘choices.’’

After processing all the answers of all of the members of the group questioner arrives at a pattern of group preference and avoidance that can be displayed as a diagram called a “sociogram.” Moreno believed that these sociograms could be used to organize the group in such a manner to improve group performance and everyone's satisfaction and personal growth. To promote his approach  Moreno founded a journal also named Sociometry. Analyzing choices allowed researchers to identify specific patterns of an association like: “social isolates” (individuals who chose no one and weren’t chosen by anyone); “mutual pairs” (two individuals who choose each other); “pairs with unreciprocated choices”; “transitive triads” (three individuals who all choose each other); “sociometric stars” (individuals receiving most choices); and “cliques” (a set of individuals choosing only each other). Some notable early users of sociometry were Theodore and George Homans.

Sociometry also studied factors that influence choices. Those factors are called “principles” and they are: 1)  “proximity” of members in their daily life; 2) “reciprocity” in positive or negative preferences; (3) “perceived similarity” of members; and (4) “status” of the individual members (within or outside the group). The first two principles increase the number of reciprocal pairs, while the last two principles produce more unreciprocated choices. Sociometry can be used to measure, predict and improve social relations within some group or organization.

Books:

Moreno, Jacob L. Sociometry, Experimental Method, and the Science of Society (1951);

     -     Who Shall Survive? Foundations of Sociometry, Group Psychotherapy, and Sociodrama (1953).