Sociometry: An approach for assessing group dynamics in web-based courses

Student interactivity in web-based educational environments has shown to increase academic learning and motivation, (Jiang, 1998; Petraglia, 1998). However, instructors often find it difficult to assess the quality of online group dynamics without visual observations of student behaviors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of sociometric measures to assess peer relationships that linked class members in a web-based course. The research, utilizing graduate students, demonstrated that sociometry identified subgroup cliques, leaders, and neglected students without the need for visual observations of students. This article describes study methods, results, and instructional implications of the investigation.