Systematic Self-Observation: A Method for Researching the Hidden and Elusive Features of Everyday Social Life

by Noelie Maria Rodriguez, Alan Lincoln Ryave

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761923084
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	12/13/2001
Series:	Qualitative Research Methods , #49
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.20(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Series Editors' Introduction
Foreword - H. Schwartz
1. Introducing Systematic Self-Observation
A Brief Description of Systematic Self-Observation
The Theoretical and Methodological Bases for Systematic Self-Observation
A Brief Review of Social Science Endeavors at Self-Observation
How Systematic Self-Observation Contrasts With the Other Self-Observation Methods
2. Implementing Systematic Self-Observation
Choosing the Subject Matter for Study
Formulating the Topic
Recruiting Informants
Guiding Informants to Be Scientific Observers
Teaching Informants How to Observe
Teaching Informants How to Report Self-Observations
Preparing Informants With Training Exercises
Ethical Considerations
Feedback on Systematic Self-Observation
3. A Critical Evaluation of Systematic Self-Observation
Problems in Choosing the Informants
Problems in Framing and Delivering the Instructions
Problems in Observing the Phenomenon
Problems in Recallign and Reporting the Phenomenon
Strengths of the Systematic Self-Observation Method
4. Four Studies Generated With Systematic Self-Observation
Case Study 1: Telling Lies in Everoyday Life
Case Study 2: The Micropolitics of the Secrets Told in Everyday Life
Case Study 3: Withholding of Compliments and the Covert Management of Disaffiliation
Case Study 4: Envy in the Social Comparisons of Everyday Life
Analytic Insights Generated by These Systematic Self-Observation Studies
5. Other Applications of Systematic Self-Observation
Researchable Systematic Self-Observation Topics
Systematic Self Observation as Redagogy
Using Systematic Self-Observation for Therapy
Self-Observation and Self/Spiritual Development Practices
Notes
References
About the Authors