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Modified Peer Nomination Inventory
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About Modified Peer Nomination Inventory
Scale Name
Modified Peer Nomination Inventory
Author Details
David G. Perry, Steven J. Kusel, and Louise C. Perry (1988) © American Psychological Association (APA); Original Inventory © 1961 Southern Universities Press
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Modified Peer Nomination Inventory (MPNI), developed by Perry, Kusel, and Perry (1988), is a 26-item peer-nomination measure designed to identify bullying and victimization behaviors among youth aged 10–14 years. Published in Developmental Psychology, the MPNI is a revision of the original Peer Nomination Inventory (1961) by Southern Universities Press, refined to focus on same-sex peer nominations for bullying (e.g., physical, verbal aggression) and victimization (e.g., being hit, teased, or excluded). The measure assesses peer perceptions of aggressive behaviors and victim status, distinguishing bullies, victims, and bully-victims in school settings.
Participants nominate same-sex classmates from a provided roster who match descriptions of bullying (e.g., “Who starts fights?”) or victimization (e.g., “Who gets picked on?”) behaviors, typically selecting up to three peers per item. Scores are calculated as the proportion of nominations received per item, with separate subscale scores for bullying and victimization (Victimization scale emphasized in the literature). The MPNI was validated with a sample of 165 children (grades 4–7, mean age ≈ 12 years, ~50% male) in the U.S., showing that 10–15% were identified as frequent victims and 5–10% as bullies. The Victimization scale correlates with self-reported victimization (r ≈ 0.40–0.60) and psychosocial distress (r ≈ 0.30–0.50). The MPNI is used in developmental and educational psychology to study peer aggression, identify at-risk students, and inform anti-bullying interventions.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Developmental Psychology (Perry et al., 1988) or authorized APA sources, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (aged 10–14) that the task involves nominating same-sex classmates who match described behaviors, emphasizing confidentiality and honest responses.
- Provide a same-sex class roster and administer the 26-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 15–20 minutes, depending on class size.
- Ensure a distraction-free environment; adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The MPNI demonstrates excellent psychometric properties (Perry et al., 1988). The Victimization scale has a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96) and strong 3-month test-retest reliability (r = 0.93), based on a sample of 165 children. The Bullying scale’s reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.90–0.95) based on similar peer-nomination measures.
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with self-report measures like the Children’s Social Behavior Scale (r ≈ 0.40–0.60; Crick & Grotpeter, 1995) and teacher ratings of aggression (r ≈ 0.35–0.55). Predictive validity is evidenced by associations with peer rejection, anxiety, and depression (r ≈ 0.30–0.50). Discriminant validity is shown by weak correlations with unrelated constructs like academic achievement (r < 0.20).
Factor analysis supports the two-factor structure (bullying and victimization). Pairing with measures like the Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument (Parada, 2000) or the Peer Victimization Scale (Austin & Joseph, 1996) enhances comprehensive bullying assessment.
Available Versions
26-Items
Reference
Perry, D. G. (1989). Victims of Peer Aggression. NSF Award, 89(8907558), 7558.
Wiggins, J. S., & Winder, C. L. (1961). The Peer Nomination Inventory: An empirically derived sociometric measure of adjustment in preadolescent boys. Psychological Reports, 9(3), 643-677.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Modified Peer Nomination Inventory measure?
It measures bullying and victimization behaviors through same-sex peer nominations.
Who is the target population?
Youth aged 10–14 years in school settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 15–20 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies bullies and victims to guide anti-bullying programs.
Is it reliable for cross-cultural use?
Reliable in English; translations (e.g., Spanish, Dutch) require cultural validation.
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