The Elements and Structure of Openings

Abstract

Opening refers to the activity of two or more persons moving from a condition of behavioral independence to one of interdependence. It is thus the first necessary activity that any two persons must perform successfully if they are to do anything else together. Two empirical studies focusing on this social activity were conducted with four elements of opening being delineated: (1) reciprocally acknowledged attention, (2) mutual responsiveness, (3) congruent functional identities, and (4) shared focus. Each of these elements must be constructed and maintained if concerted behavior is to occur. Evidence includes both successful and unsuccessful attempts at opening.

Mathematical Dimensions of Qualitative Research

“…Both approaches result in increasingly accurate (and increasingly complex) research hypotheses due to the increasing variability on the dependent variable—that is, the research object to be explained. The advantage of analytic induction in qualitative research lies with the power of analytic induction to develop definitive concepts and to identify generic sets of elements necessary for the processes studied (Lemert 1962; Miller, Hintz, and Couch 1975).…”

Responding to a Traumatic Event: Restoring Shared Pasts Within a Small Community

“…Thus, the first few days after the robbery involved a new order of openings and closings (cf. Miller, Hintz, and Couch 1975; Leichty 1986), whereby management informed regulars that business would go on, and regulars informed management that they would continue to come.…”

`It's About Time!'

“…The unparalleled significance of 'continuity' in 'feminine time' warrants its further elaboration. To achieve this aim, we draw upon the work of Miller et al (1975), Maines and Hardesty (1987), Lewis and Weigart (1990) and Davies (1990). In attempting to ascertain subjective perceptions of temporal distance, Lewis and Weigart (1990: 92) develop the idea of 'temporal embeddedness'.…”