PRESENTATION-OF-SELF EXERCISE

Abstract

In this in-class exercise students are sensitized to the presentation of self in a modified speed-dating setting and gain experience in qualitative research by engaging in participant-observation. Students meet in pairs and talk with one another in back-to-back three-minute interactions. Immediately following the meetings, they confidentially record...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

This exercise can be used in an introductory class when talking about Symbolic Interaction and/or the presentation of self. It requires 1-2 class periods of at least 50 minutes each, where the first half of the exercise is for interactions and note-taking and the second is for guided class discussion. It works best in a classroom with movable chairs so...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will learn to recognize and analyze the presentation of self and be able to apply the concepts of impression formation and impression management (and, optionally, concepts of dramaturgical analysis) to their experiences in this simulation.
2. Students gain experience in qualitative research by engaging in participant-observation, note-taking, and inductive analysis.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students are evaluated in a post-exercise class discussion and optional paper assignment in which they are asked to discuss how they formed impressions of others and how they attempted to control others’ impressions of themselves.
2. In the post-exercise class discussion and optional paper assignment, students are asked to evaluate and analyze their field notes, identify specific examples of relevant sociological concepts, and make general observations across multiple interactions.