ABSTRACT
This chapter considers some of the different types of symmetrical, reciprocal and asymmetrical relationships appearing in research. Symmetrical relationships, while generally of lesser theoretical significance than asymmetrical relationships, are often valuable in understanding social processes. A closely related type of symmetrical relationship is one in which elements are associated as parts of a common 'system' or 'complex'. Probably the classical illustration of a reciprocal relationship is that between the temperature and the thermosatat. The core of sociological analysis is to be found in the asymmetrical relationship. As a consequence some element of reciprocity may enter into an asymmetrical relationship; that is the dependent variable may have some influence on the dependent variable. A very prominent type of research analysis thus considers the relationship between a disposition as the independent variable, and behaviour as the dependent variable. The relationship between a property and a disposition or act is probably the central type of relationship in social research.
