Objectivity and Values

Question 1

Marx
(Early Positivist)

Answer 1

. Saw himself as a scientist - method of historical analysis could reveal line of development of human society
^ his scientific approach will show us how to reach communist society

Question 2

Weber
(Early Positivist)

Answer 2

. Sharp distinction between value judgements and facts - can’t derive one from the other
^ Nothing about the fact logically compels us to accept the value
. Still saw essential role for values in sociological research, 4 stages of research process

Question 3

Comte and Durkheim
(Early Positivist)

Answer 3

Share enlightenment view
Sociology’s job = discover the truth about how society works

Question 4

Weber
(Values as a guide to research)

Answer 4

. Can only select facts we want to study in terms of what we regard as important based on our own values

Question 5

Weber
(Values in Interpretation of data)

Answer 5

. Need to set theoretical framework to understand significance and draw conclusions - influenced by our values

Question 6

Weber
(Values and the sociologist as a citizen)

Answer 6

. Sociologists are human beings. Must dodge political and moral issues their work raises

Question 7

Weber
(Data collection/hypothesis testing)

Answer 7

. Must be objective and unbiased when actually collecting the facts
^ Used to test hypothesis

Question 8

Myrdal
(Committed sociology)

Answer 8

Sociologists should openly ‘take sides’ - exposing values and interests of individuals/groups

Question 9

Myrdal and Gouldner
(Committed sociology)

Answer 9

Not possible/desirable to keep values out of research

Question 10

Becker
(Committed Sociology)

Answer 10

By not choosing a side functionalists and positivists are choosing the most powerful

Question 11

Goffman
(Committed Sociology)

Answer 11

To describe situation of mental patient successfully - take their side, clear links to research methods used by interpretivists

Question 12

Gouldner
(Committed Sociology)

Answer 12

Criticises Beck for taking romantic approach

Question 13

Gouldner
(Value Freedom/Commitment)

Answer 13

Modern Positivists
2. Social position of sociology
^ by 1950s sociologists became problem takers not makers
. leaving own values - making a ‘gentlemans promise’

Question 14

Gouldner
(Value Freedom/Commitment)

Answer 14

Funding and Careers
. All research is inevitably influenced by values