Diamond of opposites

The diamond of opposites is a type of two-dimensional plot used in psychodrama groups. This tool can illuminate the presence of contradictions in processes that cannot be detected by any single questionnaire item using a traditional format such as the Likert scale. The diamond of opposites is a sociometric scaling method that simultaneously measures positive and negative responses to a statement. Image File history File links Diamondofopposites. ... Image File history File links Diamondofopposites. ... Psychodrama is a method of psychotherapy which explores, through action, the problems of people. ... A Likert scale (pronounced lick-ert) is a type of psychometric scale often used in questionnaires. ... Sociometry is the science and art of measuring relationships developed by psychotherapist Jacob L. Moreno in his studies of the relationship between social configurations or structures and psychological well-being. ... Scaling is the measurement of a variable in such a way that it can be expressed on a continuum. ...

Unlike traditional question formats, especially the semantic differential format where the respondent must choose a point on a one-dimensional scale anchored by two semantically opposite terms, the diamond of opposites allows the respondent to express attraction and repulsion independently. In this format, the stem describes an object, person or situation in relation to which the respondent is asked to indicate their degree of attraction and repulsion. The two variables are plotted on two orthogonal axes. Semantic differential is a type of a rating scale designed to measure connotative meaning of objects, events, and concepts. ...

Example

mathematics problems

• Indicate your level of attraction on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high)
• Indicate your level of repulsion on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high)

1. The respondent indicates attraction of x' = 8, and repulsion of y' = 5.
2. The point (x',y') represents the current attitude of the respondent toward mathematics problems.

See also

• Bogardus Social Distance Scale
• Psychodrama
• Sociometry

Bogardus Social Distance Scale was created by Emory S. Bogardus to empirically measure peoples willingness to participate in social contacts of varying degrees of closeness with other kinds of people, such as various racial and ethnic groups, as well as sex offenders, and homosexuals. ... Psychodrama is a method of psychotherapy which explores, through action, the problems of people. ... Sociometry is the science and art of measuring relationships developed by psychotherapist Jacob L. Moreno in his studies of the relationship between social configurations or structures and psychological well-being. ...

References

• Carlson-Sabelli, L., Sabelli, H., Patel, M., and Holm, K. (1992). The union of opposites in Sociometry: An empirical application of process theory. Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama and Sociometry, 44(4), 147-171.
• Carlson-Sabelli, L., Sabelli, H. and Hale, A. (1994). Sociometry and Sociodynamics. In P. Holmes, M. Karp, & M. Watson (Eds.), Psychodrama since Moreno: Innovations in theory and practice (pp. 145-185). London & New York: Tavistock/Routledge.
• Treadwell, TW., Kumar, V.K., Stein, S.A., & Prosnick, K. (1998). Sociometry: Tools for research and practice. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 22, (1). pp. 52-65. Also reprinted in The International Journal of Action Methods, 51, (1) pp. 23-40.
• Blatner, A. (1994). Tele. In P. Holmes, M. Karp, & M. Watson (Eds.), Psychodrama since Moreno: Innovations in theory and practice (pp. 283-300). London & New York: Tavistock/Routledge.
• Remer Rory, Chaos theory and the canon of creativity. Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama & Sociometry, 1996