Systematic self-observation / Noelie Rodriguez, Alan Ryave.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rodriguez, Noelie.

Contributor:

Ryave, Alan.

Series:

Qualitative research methods ; v. 49.

Qualitative research methods ; v. 49

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Observation (Psychology).

Introspection.

Psychology--Research--Methodology.

Psychology.

Physical Description:

xii, 66 pages ; 22 cm.

Place of Publication:

Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Sage, [2002]

Summary:

Systematic self-observation (SSO) is a valuable research method used by social scientists to gather information about those social actions that are hidden, restricted or subjective. The advantage of using self-observation over another research method, such as interviewing, for these types of actions is that the observer in SSO is the same as the obervee. This is the only way one can successfully measure thoughts, emotions and other criteria that are not always openly displayed. The authors provide a practical explanation and instruction to carrying out an systematic self-observation study. They include case studies of four aspects of hidden or elusive everyday social actions: lying, telling secrets, withholding compliments and feeling envy.

Contents:

1. Introducing Systematic Self-Observation 1

A Brief Description of Systematic Self-Observation 2

The Theoretical and Methodological Bases for Systematic Self-Observation 2

A Brief Review of Social Science Endeavors at Self-Observation 5

How Systematic Self-Observation Contrasts With the Other Self-Observation Methods 9

2. Implementing Systematic Self-Observation 10

Choosing the Subject Matter for Study 10

Formulating the Topic 13

Recruiting Informants 15

Guiding Informants to Be Scientific Observers 16

Teaching Informants How to Observe 16

Teaching Informants How to Report Self-Observations 17

Preparing Informants With Training Exercises 18

Ethical Considerations 19

Feedback on Systematic Self-Observation 20

3. A Critical Evaluation of Systematic Self-Observation 21

Problems in Choosing the Informants 22

Problems in Framing and Delivering the Instructions 23

Problems in Observing the Phenomenon 24

Problems in Recalling and Reporting the Phenomenon 25

Strengths of the Systematic Self-Observation Method 27

4. Four Studies Generated With Systematic Self-Observation 28

Case Study 1 Telling Lies in Everyday Life 29

Case Study 2 The Micropolitics of the Secrets Told in Everyday Life 33

Case Study 3 Withholding of Compliments and the Covert Management of Disaffiliation 38

Case Study 4 Envy in the Social Comparisons of Everyday Life 44

Analytic Insights Generated by These Systematic Self-Observation Studies 51

5. Other Applications of Systematic Self-Observation 51

Researchable Systematic Self-Observation Topics 52

Systematic Self-Observation as Pedagogy 55

Using Systematic Self-Observation for Therapy 56

Self-Observation and Self/Spiritual Development Practices 58.

Notes:

"A Sage university paper."--Cover.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 62-65).

ISBN:

0761923071

076192308X

OCLC:

47831215