In this field study, you will observe how you and others do impression management in various situations using Goffman’s impression management (IM) framework. Take notes of your observations for several days. Use your notes as a source of data to write up your report (don’t turn in your notes). Analyze two examples in depth. Your examples should involve interactions between you and at least one other person. Your observations may be in-person and/or online.
For each example, you must use at least five concepts from the following list: definition of the situation; impressions given/impressions given off; front/back stage; sign equipment; authentic/discreditable selves; calculating/relatively unaware; dramatic realization/idealization; implicit contract; tact; performance sabotage; identity negotiation; working consensus; stigma; virtual/actual identity; personal identity; social identity; identity work. Only up to three concepts may be used in both examples. Concepts separated by a “/” count as one concept because they are closely connected.
Apply the concepts to analyze your own impression management and the impression management of others with whom you interact in the given situation(s).
Organization: begin your report with a brief introduction of your experience observing impression management and the two examples that you will analyze in detail. This introduction should be the first paragraph (about 1/3 to 1/2 page, double spaced). In the rest of the report, provide a detailed analysis of your chosen examples. In the last paragraph, reflect on what you did (e.g. how your understanding of self and others has changed, how your observations might reflect larger patterns, etc.
Reminder: as the syllabus states, do not use our class for your observations and examples.
This field study report should be about 3 pages long. Anything under two pages will probably lack some content;