Objectivity and values in socoiology

Question 1

Durkheim and also Comte

Objectivity

Answer 1

Values should not be in research? Science needs to be objective to understand the real truth.

Question 2

Karl Marx

Objectivity

Answer 2

Sees science as delivering a good society, should be value free? dunno

Question 3

Weber

Objectivity

Answer 3

Values do have their place in research:
- Values as a guide to research (Help select topic)

• Data collection (Values out)
• Values in interpretation of data (values must be clear so we can see if its biased or not)
• Values and the sociologist as a citizen (Sociologists are citizens too and should put their value in about the uses of their research)

Question 4

Modern Positivists

Answer 4

Want values out of research for 2 reasons -

• Desire to be scientific
• Social position of sociology (now do things for govt)

Question 5

Gouldner

social position of sociology

Answer 5

In 50’s sociologists were critical of authority etc, now they are just hired to give results that the government or paymasters want.

Make a gentlemens promise now to keep values out and don’t rock the boat by criticising their paymaster

Question 6

Myrdal

Commited sociology

Answer 6

Sociologists should stand with their values.

Question 7

Gouldner

Commited sociology

Answer 7

Value free sociology is:

• impossible
• undesirable