Self-documentation allows researchers to observe processes over long periods of time and understand community nuances without direct observation. Participants record experiences through journal entries, showing their perspectives. It is important to recruit a balanced group of men, women, and different ages, classes to collect varied information. Researchers provide cameras, recorders or journals to multiple participants with instructions to document experiences over days or weeks, guiding them to easily capture relevant data. Younger people may find self-documentation less intimidating than adults. Researchers may need to demonstrate techniques or provide examples to help participants.