Microsociology

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Microsociology is one of the main branches of sociology (contrast with macrosociology) which concerns itself with the nature of everyday human social interactions on a small scale. It is usually based on observation rather than statistics. It is based on the philosophy of phenomenology and includes symbolic interactionism and ethnomethodology. Ethnomethodology in particular has led to such academic sub-divisions and studies as micro-linguistical research and other aspects of human social behaviour. It was conceived by Harold Garfinkel (and later expanded upon by others) to enquire into the methods people use to make sense of their social world. It also provided an extra dimension between the studies of social psychology and sociology - focusing more on individual interaction and thinking within groups, rather than just large social group/societal behaviour. It has become important in many fields of study, including modern Psychosocial Studies; Conversational Analysis and Human Computer Interaction.