Popularity in fifth grade friendship networks: selection and influence processes

Logis, Handrea Anita

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/34450 Copy

Description

Title

Popularity in fifth grade friendship networks: selection and influence processes

Author(s)

Logis, Handrea Anita

Issue Date

2012-09-18T21:17:46Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Rodkin, Philip C.

Committee Member(s)

• Rudolph, Karen D.
• Espelage, Dorothy L.

Department of Study

Educational Psychology

Discipline

Educational Psychology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• selection
• influence
• peer relationship
• aggression
• prosocial behavior
• popularity
• longitudinal social network analysis (SIENA)

Abstract

This study investigated the role of popularity in selection and influence processes in friendship networks. A longitudinal social network analysis (SIENA) was utilized to study 613 fifth grade students in 26 classrooms in two study sites. Results showed that youth chose their friends based on similarity in popularity more than similarity in aggressive or prosocial behavior. Friendship between popular-aggressive (tough) and popular-prosocial (model) youth occurred at chance levels. Early adolescents varied in their selection of tough and model youth, but influence effects were consistently significant for popular status, aggression, and prosocial behavior. Implications of susceptibility to the influence of tough and model peers is discussed, with reference to peer focused intervention programs that aim to reduce hostility in school settings.

Graduation Semester

2012-08

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/34450

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2012 Handrea Logis

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