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The spontaneous self-concept is the self as spontaneously described when a person is asked “Tell us about yourself.” This technique of questioning is primarily used by sociologically oriented social psychologists. The aim is to provide a nonreactive measure of the self-concept. Earlier and well-established techniques include the “Twenty Statements Test,” which asks respondents to write twenty sentences answering the question “Who am I?”. Responses are content-analyzed ( see content analysis ). McGuire and McGuire (1988) conducted a major research program testing Distinctiveness Theory using the “Tell us about yourself” method ( see also McGuire, McGuire, & Cheever, 1986). Their studies show that the spontaneous self-concepts of children typically consist of attributes which are distinctive (uncommon) in their social environment. For example, ethnicity is more salient for minority groups within a school. This finding is consistent with other research demonstrating the salience of minority features. It is also possible to explore the importance of other people (such as parents or friends) to the self-concept using these techniques. See also: content analysis ; self . ( 1988 ). Content and process in the experience of self . In , Advances in experimental social psychology ( Vol 20, pp. 92 – 144 ). New York : Academic Press . ( 1986 ). The self in society: ... log in or subscribe to read full text