reflexivity
ree-flek-SIV-ih-tee
/ˌriːflɛkˈsɪvɪti/
The process of reflecting on the researcher's own influence on the research and how their presence affects the data.
It is more than just 'reflection'; it is an active, ongoing self-critique of one's own biases.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'reflectere', meaning 'to bend back'. In the 20th century, social scientists used it to describe the 'bending back' of the researcher's gaze onto themselves, rather than just looking at the 'other'.
Word relationships
- self-awareness: Self-awareness is a general trait; reflexivity is a specific academic methodology.
- objectivism: Objectivism assumes the researcher is a neutral, invisible observer who does not affect the data.
Commonly confused with
- reflection: Reflection is thinking about the past; reflexivity is analyzing your own role in the present research process.
Word family
- reflexive (adjective): Relating to the researcher's self-awareness.
- reflexively (adverb): In a way that shows awareness of one's own influence.
Collocations
- critical reflexivity
- researcher reflexivity
- practice reflexivity
- reflexivity in research
Example sentences
- "Reflexivity is the researcher's awareness of their own role and the way it shapes the findings of the study." Sociological theory
- "The author included a chapter on reflexivity to explain how her upbringing in a wealthy family might have biased her study of poverty." Academic writing
Memory hook
Think of a 'reflex'—it's a loop. Reflexivity is the loop between the researcher and the subject. Reflexivity: Bending the gaze back on yourself.
When not to use
Do not use it as a synonym for 'reflexes' (physical reactions).
Fun facts
- Reflexivity became popular in the 1970s and 80s during the 'crisis of representation' in anthropology.
Related words
Explore more words
introspection, Confirmation bias, bias, mindfulness, priming, impartiality
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