Structural properties of groups, 1976-1978: File 77t

This research is concerned with the development and validation of sociometric indices of the structural properties of groups. The 1976 study contained general questions about the group, its members, and the respondents' activities in relation to them. Sixteen questions were used to create interpersonal rating matrices from which sociometric measures of status differentiation, bias differentiation, status-bias concordance and differential mutuality were constructed. Scale analysis of 36 questions gave homogeneous and distinct scales of member heterogeneity, rejection of group, and permeability. In the 1977 study, six structural properties - consensus, role differentiation, fragmentation, status differentiation, solidarity and permeability - were measured by quantitative sociometric procedures. Consensus was measured in two ways: by means of an open question and with 28 statements about desirable behaviours. Two questions were used to determine role differentiation, four questions for fragmentation, five questions for status differentiation and two questions for solidarity. A second instrument containing statements that described the group directly on these five structural properties, among other characteristics, was administered both to group member and to outside informants. An index of permeability was determined by the rate of membership turnover reported by members for the previous year. Groups in the 1978-79 study were given an abbreviated form of the 1977 questionnaire to allow differences among group types to be examined.