ETHICAL ADMINISTRATION OF SOCIOMETRIC MEASURES - PROCEDURES IN USE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Success in the ethical use of sociometric measures requires understand ing the impact of the variety of procedures in use. This study identif ied sociometric testing procedures currently in use in the peer-relati ons literature and summarized procedures that researchers have found u seful in minimizing risk to research participants. Researchers who use sociometric measures (n = 145) completed a survey about procedures us ed in their sociometric research. Results indicated variability in soc iometric question format, consent-assent procedures, confidentiality i nstructions, and scheduling and administration procedures. Procedures for conducting sociometric research so as to maximize adherence to the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (American Psy chological Association, 1992) and to minimize risk to children are sug gested, and needs for future research on sociometric testing are discu ssed.