The Johari "window" is graphic.
FEEDBACK
KNOWN TO SELF
/ UNKNOWN TO SELF
PUBLIC
BLIND
UNKNOWN
Known to
others
PRIVATE
Unknown
to others
There are two processes which affect the shape
of the "window". The first process is
feedback. This is the extent to which others
are willing to share with the researcher on
how she/he is coming across. This indicates
the willingness of the respondents to be open
and honest with the researcher. The second
process is disclosure and this process depends
on how much the researcher is willing to share
with the respondents data about themselves.
Disclosure is appropriate only when such
disclosure is relevant to the field study.
The lesson to be learned in the "window" is to
'get your shots in early' with the
respondents. Loosening up is much easier than
tightening up in a field study. Occasionally
the "blind" area which is unknown to the
researcher but known to the respondents is
dependant on picking up the nonverbal and
verbal responses in a situation. Feedback is
essential in order to overcome this
"blindness" in a research setting. The last
area is "unknown" and is the "iceberg" in
psychology. The "iceberg" can have a relevant
impact in terms of the kinds of behaviours in
which a researcher engages during an
interview.
(43) Best, J.W. (1970) Research in Education Englewood
Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall; see also, Cohen, L.
and Manion, L. (1985) op. cit., (p.60); see also,
Plummer, K. (1983) Documents of Life: An Introduction to
the Problems and Literature of a Humanistic Method London:
George Allen and Unwin; see also, Sutherland, G. (1969)
'The Study of the History of Education' HISTORY Vol. LIV
No. 180 February. See also, Mouly, G.J. (1978)
Educational Research; The Art and Science of Investigation
Boston: Allyn and Bacon (p.4)
202