Objectivity, Subjectivity and Value Free

• What is the main focus of the screencast on objectivity in sociology?

  The focus is on whether sociology can be value-free.
• What does objectivity in sociology refer to?

  Objectivity refers to doing things without bias or preconceived ideas.
• How is subjectivity defined in the context of sociology?

  Subjectivity is based on bias and lack of objectivity.
• What did early positivist sociologists like Comte and Durkheim believe about sociology?

  They believed sociology should highlight the best society through objective science.
• What is the goal of sociologists according to positivists?

  The goal is to discover the truth and uncover natural laws about society.
• What does Marx believe about the evolution of society?

  Marx believes society evolves naturally towards a communist society.
• According to Marx, what is the role of sociologists?

  Sociologists should reveal truths about inequalities in society.
• What does Weber argue about the role of values in research?

  Weber argues that values guide the research process and influence perspectives.
• How should researchers approach the collection of data according to the screencast?

  Researchers should remain objective and avoid leading questions.
• What is the importance of moral responsibility in sociological research?

  Moral responsibility ensures researchers consider the impact of their findings on society.
• What do modernist positivists believe about values in sociological research?

  Modernist positivists believe values are irrelevant in research.
• What two factors contributed to the prominence of sociology in the 20th century?

  The scientific approach to sociology and its use by companies and governments.
• How do Mol and Gner view the role of sociologists in research?

  They believe sociologists should take sides and express their values in research.
• What does G argue about the possibility of being value-free in sociology?

  G argues that it is impossible to be value-free in sociological research.
• What is GNA's perspective on the desirability of being value-free in research?

  GNA believes it is undesirable to be value-free as it undermines genuine understanding.
• According to Becca, who is often represented by positivist and functionalist research?

  The powerful, such as the police and government.
• What does Becca suggest is necessary to understand social reality?

  Understanding the viewpoint of the powerless is necessary.
• What do positivists believe about data collection in sociology?

  Positivists believe in collecting quantitative data to find patterns.
• How do interpretivists view objectivity in sociology?

  Interpretivists believe objectivity is not possible in sociology.
• What is the critique of quantitative data according to interpretivists?

  Quantitative data involves bias and is influenced by subjective opinions.
• What do relativists believe about truths in sociology?

  Relativists believe there are multiple truths based on different perspectives.
• How do different sociological perspectives influence the understanding of truth?

  Different perspectives like feminism and Marxism offer varied interpretations of truth.
• What are the key differences between positivist and interpretivist approaches in sociology?

  • Positivists advocate for objectivity and value-free research.
  • Positivists focus on quantitative data and patterns.
  • Interpretivists argue that objectivity is impossible and values influence research.
  • Interpretivists emphasize understanding meanings and subjective experiences.
• What are the implications of funding on sociological research according to the screencast?

  • Funding can influence research outcomes and perspectives.
  • Researchers may prioritize the values of their paymasters over personal beliefs.
  • Restrictions may be placed on findings based on funding sources.
• What are the moral responsibilities of sociologists in their research?

  • Consider the impact of findings on individuals and society.
  • Acknowledge personal values and biases in research.
  • Ensure ethical standards are maintained throughout the research process.
• What does value freedom in social research refer to?

  It refers to the ability of the researcher to keep their own values from interfering with the research process.
• Why is the idea that 'facts' should not be influenced by the researcher’s beliefs important in sociology?

  It is important because it aligns sociology with the principles of science.
• Who are two key Positivist Sociologists mentioned in the study material?

  August Comte and Emile Durkheim.
• What did Durkheim's study of Suicide (1899) illustrate about quantitative research?


  It illustrated that quantitative research can uncover macro-level social trends.
• What law did Durkheim believe was related to suicide rates?

  He believed that too high or too low levels of social integration and regulation would lead to an increasing suicide rate.
• How might Positivists determine the impact of divorce on suicide rates?

  By conducting research to find out if a higher divorce rate has more impact on the suicide rate than the unemployment rate.
• Why do Positivists argue that value-free social research is crucial?

  Because it allows for the objective knowledge that can improve society.
• What is sometimes described as being "value free" in research?

  Being objective.
• What do the New Right argue about sociology?

  They argue that sociology is not value free but rather left-wing propaganda.
• Who is particularly associated with the idea of sociology as a destructive force in British society?

  David Marsland.
• What does Marsland criticize about sociology's treatment of capitalism?

  He criticizes it for exaggerating the defects of capitalism and ignoring its benefits.
• What does Marsland suggest about sociology textbooks and job satisfaction?

  He suggests that they ignore the high levels of job satisfaction identified by empirical research.
• What do feminists argue about 'malestream' sociology?

  They argue that it is biased against women and serves as an ideological justification for their subordination.
• Who claims that sociology reduces women to a side issue?

  Anne Oakley.
• What do feminists believe is necessary to correct the male bias in sociology?

  They believe more studies on women should be conducted.