THEORIES- OBJECTIVITY AND VALUES

Question 1

What is objectivity in research?

Answer 1

The absence of bias or preconceived ideas, allowing researchers to uncover the truth without their values interfering.

Question 2

How do Positivists view objectivity?

Answer 2

Positivists argue that Sociology can achieve objectivity by modeling itself on the natural sciences.

Question 3

What is value freedom?

Answer 3

Research being free from distortion by the values held by researchers, a concept favored by Positivists.

Question 4

What is subjectivity in research?

Answer 4

Subjectivity refers to the influence of researchers’ personal values on their research, leading to bias.

Question 5

How do Interpretivists view Sociology?

Answer 5

Interpretivists argue that Sociology is subjective because it involves understanding people by seeing the world through their eyes.

Objectivity, Subjectivity, and Value Freedom in Science

Question 6

Why is science seen as objective and value-free?

Answer 6

Scientists adopt a detached approach, avoiding subjective values that could interfere with facts.
This ensures their research is objective and value-free.
Objectivity, Subjectivity, and Value Freedom in Sociology

Question 7

Why might objectivity be challenging in Sociology?

Answer 7

Sociologists, as members of society, are influenced by their own values shaped by socialization, class, gender, ethnicity, and life experiences.

Question 8

What are the arguments for and against value-free Sociology?

Answer 8

For: It is possible and crucial to maintain objectivity, like natural scientists.

Against: Sociologists’ values inevitably influence their research, and some argue this is desirable (committed Sociology).

Question 9

Early Positivists and Functionalists
What did Comte and Durkheim argue about Sociology?

Answer 9

Sociology should uncover the laws of society using objective, reliable methods like the natural sciences.

This knowledge can solve social problems and determine what is best for society.

Question 10

How did Marx view Sociology?

Answer 10

Marx saw Sociology as a tool to reveal the truth about society’s development, leading to a classless communist society.
He believed his method (historical materialism) was scientific but did not acknowledge the value of communism as a goal.

Question 11

Weber’s Contribution
What distinction did Weber make regarding values and facts?

Answer 11

Facts and values belong to different realms; values cannot be derived from facts.

Example: Data showing higher suicide rates among divorced individuals doesn’t justify valuing marriage more.

Question 12

What are Weber’s views on the role of values in research?

Answer 12

Values guide research: Researchers select facts based on value relevance.
Example: Feminists study gender equality.

Values in data collection: Research must remain objective during data collection and analysis.

Values in interpretation: Values influence the theoretical framework used to interpret data.

Sociologists as citizens: Researchers must consider the ethical implications of their work.

Question 13

Modern Positivists
How did modern Positivists view values in research?

Answer 13

By the 20th century, they saw values as irrelevant to appear more scientific.
Sociologists often worked with governments and businesses, avoiding criticism to maintain their roles.

Question 14

What is an example of values influencing research?

Answer 14

The US military used anthropologists in Iraq and Afghanistan to gain local trust, but the covert nature of their work breached ethical trust.

Question 15

Committed Sociology
What is committed Sociology?

Answer 15

The idea that Sociology should take sides, supporting values of certain groups to improve society.

Question 16

What did Myrdal and Gouldner argue about value-free Sociology?

Answer 16

Impossible: Researchers’ values inevitably influence their work.
Undesirable: Values guide research and give it purpose.

Question 17

What was Becker’s critique of Positivists?

Answer 17

Positivists claim objectivity but actually take the side of the powerful.

Sociologists should take the side of the underdog to reveal untold social realities.

Question 18

What was Gouldner’s critique of Becker?

Answer 18

Becker romanticized the underdog.
Gouldner, adopting a Marxist view, argued Sociologists should expose how the powerful maintain control and help end oppression.

Question 19

Funding and Careers
How does funding influence research?

Answer 19

Research funded by governments or businesses often reflects the values of the funding body.
Example: The UK government downplayed findings of the Black Report, which contradicted its views.

Question 20

How can researchers’ personal values affect their work?

Answer 20

Topics may reflect their background or career goals.
Fear of criticism may lead to self-censorship.

Question 21

Perspectives on Sociology and Values
How do different Sociological perspectives embody values?

Answer 21

Feminism: Focuses on gender inequality and women’s rights.

Functionalism: Promotes harmony and the status quo.

Marxism: Advocates for revolution and critiques class conflict.

Question 22

How do methods reflect perspectives?

Answer 22

Interpretivists use qualitative methods (e.g., participant observation) for empathy and verstehen.

Positivists use quantitative methods (e.g., surveys) to maintain objectivity.

Question 23

Relativism and Postmodernism
What does relativism argue about truth?

Answer 23

Truth is subjective and varies across groups; there is no absolute truth.

Question 24

What does Postmodernism say about social knowledge?

Answer 24

No account of the social world is superior to another, as all are based on values.
What is the critique of Postmodernism?
If no truth is superior, Postmodernism itself is just one of many truths.