Behavioral sociometrics: the design of sociobehavioral networks

Abstract

This paper deals with behavioral sociometry. In the first section some contributions, implications and limitations of sociometry are revisited. In the second section, some contributions of behavioral approach to sociometry are presented. Data derived of conventional nomination techniques of sociometry have a limited value because them do not offer information of situational variables; neither behavioral control mechanisms, which regulate social interactions into the network and the stability of the network on time are described. The strategy for the design of socio-behavioral network is presented. Some examples of the uses of socio-behavioral networks are exposed. Conceptual and methodological implications for the analysis of social behavior are discussed.