Self‐Recording of Everyday Life Events: Origins, Types, and Uses

ABSTRACT In this article we review the history of the scientific use of self‐recording and conclude 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. We then discuss the relative merits of these techniques for answering different questions. Finally, we note 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.