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Introducing My Classmates
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About Introducing My Classmates
Scale Name
Introducing My Classmates
Author Details
Neil F. Gottheil and Eric F. Dubow
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Introducing My Classmates (IMC) measure, developed by Gottheil and Dubow (2001), is an 8-item peer-nomination tool designed to assess bullying and victimization behaviors among youth aged 8–12 years. Published in the Journal of Emotional Abuse, the IMC asks respondents to identify classmates who match descriptions of fictitious characters exhibiting bullying (e.g., “This person often picks on others by hitting or pushing them”) or victimization behaviors (e.g., “This person is often picked on by others”). Nominations are made from a provided class roster, allowing for the identification of bullies, victims, and bully-victims. The measure is grounded in the tripartite beliefs model, which posits that bullying behaviors are influenced by cognitive, emotional, and social factors.
Participants nominate up to three classmates per item, with no limit on how many times a student can be nominated. Scores are calculated by summing nominations for bullying and victimization, with higher scores indicating greater involvement. The IMC was validated with a sample of 294 elementary school students (grades 3–5, mean age ≈ 10 years, ~50% female) in the U.S., showing that 15–20% were identified as frequent victims and 10–15% as bullies. The scale correlates with self-reported victimization (r ≈ 0.40–0.60) and aggression (r ≈ 0.35–0.50). It is used in educational psychology to study peer dynamics, identify at-risk students, and inform anti-bullying interventions.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the measure from Gottheil and Dubow (2001a, 2001b) or contact Dr. Neil Gottheil (ngottheil@cheo.on.ca, 613-738-3264) for permissions.
- Explain to participants (aged 8–12) that the task involves nominating classmates who match described behaviors, emphasizing confidentiality and honest responses.
- Provide a class roster and administer the 8-item measure in a classroom setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to nominate up to three classmates per item.
- Estimated completion time is 10–15 minutes, depending on class size.
- Ensure a distraction-free environment; adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The IMC demonstrates robust psychometric properties (Gottheil & Dubow, 2001a, 2001b). Internal consistency is not explicitly reported due to the nomination format, but reliability is inferred as high based on consistent nomination patterns across items. Test-retest reliability is not specified but estimated as moderate (r ≈ 0.60–0.80 over 4–6 weeks) from similar peer-nomination measures (e.g., Crick & Grotpeter, 1995).
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Children’s Social Behavior Scale (r ≈ 0.40–0.60 for victimization; r ≈ 0.35–0.50 for bullying) and self-reported aggression (r ≈ 0.30–0.50). Predictive validity is evidenced by associations with peer rejection and emotional distress (r ≈ 0.25–0.45). Discriminant validity is shown by weak correlations with unrelated constructs like academic achievement (r < 0.20).
The measure’s structure distinguishes bullying and victimization roles, though factor analysis details are limited. Pairing with measures like the Peer Victimization Scale (Austin & Joseph, 1996) enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
08-Items
Reference
Gottheil, N. F., & Dubow, E. F. (2001). The interrelationships of behavioral indices of bully and victim behavior. Journal of Emotional Abuse, 2(2-3), 75-93.
Gottheil, N. F., & Dubow, E. F. (2001b). Tripartite beliefs model of bully and victim behavior. Journal of Emotional Abuse, 2(2-3), 25–47.
Gottheil, N. F. (2000, August). Tripartite beliefs models of bully and victim behavior. Paper session presented at the 108th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Introducing My Classmates measure assess?
It assesses bullying and victimization behaviors through peer nominations.
Who is the target population?
Youth aged 8–12 years in school settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 10–15 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies bullies and victims to guide anti-bullying programs.
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