Methodological Problems in the Application of Sociometry Under "Uncontrolled" Conditions

The research sought to determine (1) what factors made for success or failure of amateur theatre-group endeavors, & (2) the effects upon inter-personal relations of such group activity. A group of adults (N = 35, ages 20-55) was under observation from 3/1953 to 6/1954. The data was collected by participant observation, special observation inventories, technical devices for recording notes on tape, and sociometric tests. 'Uncontrolled' sociometric analysis seems particularly well suited for the study of problems of (1) relative rating frequencies between individuals in a group, (2) relative rating intensity of individuals in a group, & (3) ambivalent or mixed positive-negative rating habits of an individual. The phenomena are of relevance to research in emotional energy of individuals, in leadership studies, group stability, morale and efficiency. J. Nehnevajsa.