Final answer:
Software systems supporting machine-to-machine interaction over a network are often based on web services, essential for automating systems and assisting with human-software interactions in complex environments. Participant observation is typically used by symbolic interactionists for research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Software systems designed to support interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network typically encompass web services. Web services are the components that allow devices to communicate with each other over the internet using standard protocols. These services are not limited to just client-server models, as they aim to provide a standard means of interoperating between different software applications running on a variety of platforms.
Web services are integral in automating systems and facilitating the decision-making processes of workers who are supported by software systems. This includes human-software interactions in complex automated systems, ensuring efficient and effective work processes through technology.
Regarding symbolic interactionism research, the technique that would be most likely used by a symbolic interactionist is participant observation, as it allows the researcher to observe and interact with the subjects in their natural environment, helping to understand the meaning that the participants assign to their actions and interactions.