Self-recording of everyday life events : origins, types, and uses.

In this article the history of the scientific use of self-recording is reviewed and it is concluded that there are three basic methods: a) interval-contingent, in which respondents report on their experiences at regular intervals, b) signal-contingent, in which respondents report when signaled, and c) event-contingent, in which respondents report whenever a defined event occurs. The relative merits of these techniques for answering different questions are discussed. Fianlly, it is noted that self-recording of small events is a departure from the science of psychology as typically practiced, requiring an acceptance of reality as defined by respondents. (Author/Publisher)