Theory's and methods

Question 1

Positivism

Answer 1

Positivists such as Durkheim are interested in studying aspects of society which can be objectively observed. Less interested in thoughts and individuals and more interested in social facts. e.g. Durkheim, Le Suicide.

Question 2

Criticisms of positivists

Answer 2

Interpretivists - Douglas does not believes stats are valid - lead to bias results making stats invalid. - Durkheim treats all suicides as the same type of act.

Question 3

Interpretivism

Answer 3

Weber focuses on meanings behind the behaviour of individuals, favour qualitative methods to gain empathetic understanding.

Question 4

Criticisms of interpretivists

Answer 4

Lack reliability and cannot be replicated. Lacks objectivity making research less objective therefore leads to bias.

Question 5

Sociology is a science: Positivist

Answer 5

Objective, value free to get factual knowledge and find social facts.

Question 6

Sociology is not a science: Interpretivist

Answer 6

Researchers are human beings with values, experiences and beliefs. To be truly objective is therefore impossible. Feminists - Scientific methods are masculine, gives power to interviewer women as research participants have little control over research. Should try not to be objective. Oakley ‘feminist methodology’ women during childbirth.

Question 7

Sociology not scientific - Popper

Answer 7

Only need evidence that supports their theory. Sociology is not usually scientific as most sociological theories cannot be put to the falsification test. However, some parts of sociology can be scientific if sociologists were to adopt the deductive approach. Kuhn - Science operates under paradigms. Sociology cannot be scientific as there are too many theories.

Question 8

Sociology can be considered a science: Realist view

Answer 8

Sayer argues that science operates under open and closed systems. Postmodernists - No longer believe in metanarratives such as science.

Question 9

Value free

Answer 9

Values and beliefs of researcher do not enter research process and affect the results.

Question 10

Sociology should be value free

Answer 10

Value freedom is possible and desirable, sociology is inevitable and value laden, sociology should be committed to and fight for disadvantaged groups.

Question 11

Sociology shouldn’t be value free

Answer 11

Those who adopted a compassionate sociology - Becker
Those who adopted a more politically radical approach - radical feminists.