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. Apply the concepts to analyze your own impression management and the impression management of others with whom you interact in the given situation(s).
For each example, you must use at least three of the following terms/concepts for each example (you may use more, if you like): definition of the situation; impressions given/impressions given off; front/back stage; setting; personal front; 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 (terms separated by a “/” count as one because they are closely connected).
Important: don’t use more than one concept for both examples; change up the terms for each example, so you don’t just use the same three (you may use more than three, if that effectively furthers your analysis, but be careful not to overdo it).
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. In the rest of the report, provide a detailed analysis of your chosen examples. In the last paragraph, reflect on what you did. For example: compare your examples (if that is an interesting angle), reflect on how your understanding of self and others has changed; discuss 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 2-3 pages long. Anything under will probably lack some content; anything over will not be included in your grade. You do not need formal citations or a works cited section. Be sure to use correct formatting