Subjectivity, Objectivity and Value Freedom

Question 1

Define subjectivity:

Answer 1

When sociologists believe that they have a moral prerogative that influences their research. When their research conducted is underpinned by personal bias.

Question 2

Define objectivity:

Answer 2

When sociologists are detached from their research. When they do not let their personal expercines or opinions underpin their paradigm of research.

Question 3

Define value freedom:

Answer 3

When a sociologists is free of personal values. They do not obstruct their results or research.

Question 4

Define value commitment:

Answer 4

When a sociologist makes sure their values are integrated into their research.

Question 5

How can sociology be value free?:

Answer 5

Some argue sociology can be value if it is studied using methods used in natural science.

They believed society was made up of social structures and social facts that existed independently of researchers and these factors could be clearly segregated from the values of the researcher and studied in the same way as the natural sciences, like Physics or Chemistry.

Question 6

What did Comte and Durkheim say about sociology and how it can be value free?:

Answer 6

They believed society was made up of social structures and social facts that existed independently of researchers and these factors could be clearly segregated from the values of the researcher and studied in the same way as the natural sciences, like Physics or Chemistry.