⊿ Point. {R} Glossary. ◢ Keyword: R. ◥ University. {q} PhD. {tr} Training. ⚫ UK. ⚫ England. ⬤ London. ↂ EndNote. ☢️ Self-Reflexivity. ✊ La (2004) ☝️ Q&Q Research. ☝️ [BS] Heigham. Reflexivity (social theory) Circular relationships between cause and effect In epistemology, and more specifically, the sociology of knowledge, reflexivity refers to circular relationships between cause and effect, especially as embedded in human belief structures. A reflexive relationship is multi-directional when the causes and the effects affect the reflexive agent in a layered or complex sociological relationship. The complexity of this relationship can be furthered when epistemology includes religion.
Within economics, reflexivity refers to the self-reinforcing effect of market sentiment, whereby rising prices attract buyers whose actions drive prices higher still until the process becomes unsustainable. This is an instance of a positive feedback loop. The same process can operate in reverse leading to a catastrophic collapse in prices. Overview[edit] Reflexivity is, therefore, a methodological issue in the social sciences analogous to the observer effect. History[edit] Sociologist Robert K. In economics[edit]