A Scale for the Measurement of Social Perticipation Of Rural Households.

While sociometric scales have been constructed and at least one partially standardized for the measurement of formal organization participation, there has been a demand for a scale which would also measure informal group participation. The scale here reported is an attempt to measure the extent of both formal and informal group participation of rural households. Data obtained in a central New York dairy community and in a general farming area in northern Pennsylvania were used as a basis for construction and partial standardization of the scale. Validity and reliability tests proved satisfactory. Further work on the scale includes standardization tests in other areas and the possible revision of the scale including possibilities for reducing the number of items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]