Final answer:
Joe's peer status is controversial because he is both liked and disliked by his peers. Controversial status signifies a blend of behaviors that draws both positive and negative attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joe's peer status is likely controversial. In sociometric status studies, someone who is named as a best friend by some but actively disliked by others fits the definition of a controversial status. Controversial children or adolescents are those who are noticed by their peers and evoke strong responses, both positive and negative. They often possess a blend of social skills that could win them friends and other behaviors that might be off-putting to some peers.
Examples of controversial status in a school setting could include a student who is very outgoing and dominant, possibly leading to them being perceived as a leader by some and as aggressive by others. Consequently, while they have a significant social impact within their peer group, they polarize their classmates, which explains why some would name them as a best friend and others would dislike them.