Sociometric triads as multi‐variate systems†

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Abstract
Binary choices (choose v. not choose) among three persons may be viewed as variables and the possible choices in a triad as a 64 celled contingency table, amenable to analysis in terms of log linear effects. Fifteen non‐redundant effects occur, of which four appear consistently in a data bank of 384 sociograms. Consequently, it is claimed one may reproduce the triad frequencies in most sociograms by the effects implied by four propositions: (A) P is more likely to choose O when O chooses P, net of all other variables; (B) P is more likely to choose O when X chooses O. This association is particularly strong when imitation produces transitivity; (C) when X chooses O (O chooses X), P tends to choose both or neither; and (D) P tends to choose an X who favors P's choices. P tends to not choose an X who favors P's non‐choices.