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The effect of sex differences on sociometric data generated by a roster-rating scale instrument

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Abstract

Sociometric data generated by roster-rating scale instruments are being used for assessment and evaluation purposes. Little information exists, however, on the influence of peer gender on this particular type of sociometric data. In a sample of 441 male and 455 female fourth, fifth, and sixth grade children, this study found same-sex ratings to be significantly higher than opposite-sex ratings. Opposite-sex ratings, while significantly lower, were slightly correlated with the higher same-sex ratings. Differing methods for interpreting roster-rating scale data are discussed in light of the above results.

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The author is Assistant Professor at the School of Social Welfare, State University of New York at Albany currently on leave at the Baerwald School of Social Work, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel. This project was completed under the auspices of the Interpersonal Skill Training and Research Project of the School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.

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Edleson, J.L. The effect of sex differences on sociometric data generated by a roster-rating scale instrument. Journal of Behavioral Assessment 2, 249–254 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01666784

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