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Friendship cliques: a comparison of the motivational traits of lower/upper track algebra students

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Abstract

This project examined the relationships among the motivation and cognitive profiles of adolescent friendship cliques and peripheral (outside the clique group) students in lower and upper track algebra classes. Two hundred and thirty students from two high schools completed a motivation and cognitive engagement instrument as well as a peer group nomination survey form. Twelve teachers were also asked to complete peer group nomination survey forms. This project used socio-metric and correlational techniques based on previous research traditions in exploring friendship and peer group research to examine these relationships. The results were consistent with theoretically driven predictions and extend previous findings of the impact of friendship cliques in lower grade levels to those of adolescents in the high school setting. Future research in adolescent friendship/clique group research is also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University–Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, USA

    Joe D. Nichols

  2. The University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK, USA

    Janet White

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  1. Joe D. Nichols
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  2. Janet White
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Correspondence to Joe D. Nichols.

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This manuscript is dedicated to the memory of my good friend and respected colleague, Janet White.

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Nichols, J.D., White, J. Friendship cliques: a comparison of the motivational traits of lower/upper track algebra students. Soc Psychol Educ 17, 141–159 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-013-9241-7

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