Objectivity and Values In Sociology

Question 1

Outline the three views of whether it is possible or desirable to keep values out of research.

Answer 1

• Some argue that it’s both possible and desirable to keep subjective values out of research to produce true, scientific knowledge about society.
• Others argue that, because sociologists are humans (with values) studying other humans (with values), it is impossible to keep personal values out of one’s research.
• Some go further, arguing that it’s actually desirable for sociologists to use their values to improve society through their work.

Question 2

According to the early positivists’ modernist view, what was the job of sociology? What benefit would this bring?

Answer 2

Sociology’s job was to discover the truth about how society works, uncovering the laws that govern its proper functioning. Equipped with this knowledge, social problems could be solved and human life improved.

Question 3

In what way was the role of sociologists crucial?

Answer 3

By discovering the truth about about how society worked, sociologists would be able to say objectively and with scientific certainty what was really best for society.

Question 4

Briefly explain in what way Marx’s views are similar to those of Comte and Durkheim.

Answer 4

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Question 5

Using an example, explain the distinction made by Weber between value judgements and facts.

Answer 5

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Question 6

Briefly explain Weber’s views on the role of values in the following stages of the research process:

• Values as a guide to research
• Data collection and hypothesis testing

Answer 6

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Question 7

Briefly explain Weber’s views on the role of values in the following stages of the research process:

• Values in the interpretation of data
• Values and the sociologist as a citizen

Answer 7

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Question 8

What is meant by ‘committed sociology’?

Answer 8

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Question 9

Briefly explain why modern positivists say research should be morally neutral. Why is this view criticised?

Answer 9

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Question 10

Using the distinction between ‘problem makers’ and ‘problem takers’, explain what Gouldner means when he says that sociologists had become mere ‘spiritless technicians’ by the 1950s?

Answer 10

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Question 11

According to Gouldner, what is the effect of sociologists leaving their own values behind?

Answer 11

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Question 12

Briefly outline Myrdal’s views on values in research.

Answer 12

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Question 13

According to Gouldner, why is value-free sociology impossible?

Answer 13

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Question 14

According to Gouldner, why is value-free sociology undesirable?

Answer 14

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Question 15

According to Becker, why should sociologists take the side of the underdog?

Answer 15

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Question 16

Briefly outline Goffman’s example of how we should study mental patients. How does this illustrate Becker’s views?

Answer 16

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Question 17

Briefly explain why interactions favour qualitative methods of research.

Answer 17

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Question 18

Briefly explain Gouldner’s criticism of Becker.

Answer 18

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Question 19

According to Gouldner, what should sociology be committed to doing?

Answer 19

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Question 20

Briefly explain why sociologists’ work is likely to embody the values and interests of those who fund it.

Answer 20

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Question 21

In what ways might sociologists’ concern with their careers influence their research?

Answer 21

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Question 22

Briefly outline the values and assumptions of feminism.

Answer 22

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Question 23

Briefly outline the values and assumptions of functionalism.

Answer 23

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Question 24

Briefly outline the values and assumptions of Marxism.

Answer 24

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Question 25

Use an example to illustrate the link between a sociologist’s choice of method and their value-stance.

Answer 25

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Question 26

Briefly outline the two arguments of relativism.

Answer 26

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Question 27

Briefly explain how relativism views truth.

Answer 27

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Question 28

According to postmodernism, why does no perspective have any special claim to be true?

Answer 28

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Question 29

Briefly explain why relativism is self-defeating.

Answer 29

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