Identity exploration: Theory into practice

Abstract

Chapter 1 introduced the theoretical underpinnings of the ISA conceptual framework and its core concepts. In practice, when empirically investigating the identity structures of individuals, these concepts have to be operationalised to become accessible parameters of identity. This chapter presents algorithms that are isomorphic representations of the formal definitions of concepts, which translate into explicit and publicly verifiable methods of assessment of the corresponding identity parameters. Theoretical concepts dictate the operationalisation so that empirical assessments are always of explicitly defined parameters.