NOMINATIONS, RATINGS, AND THE DIMENSIONS OF SOCIOMETRIC STATUS

In 1944, U. Bronfenbrenner remarked on the need for a two-dimensional model of sociometric status. The low value of the correlation between the variables liking and disliking-assumed basic dimensions of sociome tric status-is often cited as evidence for the correctness of Bronfenb renner's suggestion. Sociometric status is derived from a coalescence of judgements at the individual level. In this article we argue that s core attribution at this level (where one group member assesses anothe r) is one-dimensional along the liking-disliking continuum. Two-dimens ionality of sociometric status arises at the group level. However, we also show that at this level liking and disliking are not two distinct dimensions, but the poles of just one, the other being visibility (or impact). If the one-dimensional model of liking score attribution on the individual level is accepted, the obvious thing to do is to instru ct respondents accordingly. Rating scales are suitable for this. The r ating-scale methods we suggested in previous publications (e.g. Maasse n, Akkermans, & van der Linden, 1996) are in keeping with this argumen t. Moreover, these methods may be recommended for their reliability, v alidity and for the variety of research designs to which they can be a pplied.