Sociology - Theory & Methods Objectivity

• What is one view of science mentioned in the text?

  It produces true knowledge
• How do scientists approach their research according to the text?

  They take a detached and objective approach
• What influences our values according to the text?

  Class, gender, ethnicity, upbringing, experiences
• Can sociologists study society objectively and without bias?

  It is debated whether they can
• What is 'committed sociology'?

  Using values to improve society through research
• What do different sociologists say about objectivity and value freedom in sociology?

  • Some argue it is possible and desirable
  • Others claim it is impossible due to personal values
  • Some advocate for using values to improve society
• Who are some classical sociologists mentioned in the text?

  Comte, Durkheim, Marx, Weber
• What did Comte and Durkheim believe about sociology's role?

  Sociology should discover the truth about society
• How did Comte view sociology in relation to other sciences?

  As the 'queen of the sciences'
• What method did Karl Marx believe could reveal societal development?

  Historical materialism
• What future society did Marx envision?

  A classless communist society
• What did Weber argue about facts and values?

  They belong to different realms
• How did Weber view the role of values in sociological research?


  Values guide the selection of research topics
• What are the four stages of Weber's research process regarding values?

  1. Values as a guide to research
  2. Data collection and hypothesis testing
  3. Values in the interpretation of data
  4. Values and the sociologist as a citizen
• What must sociologists do during data collection according to Weber?

  Be objective and unbiased
• Why are values important in interpreting data?

  They influence the theoretical framework used
• What does Weber argue about sociologists' moral responsibility?

  They must take responsibility for their research's effects
• What is the difference between modern positivists and earlier sociologists regarding values?

  • Modern positivists argue values are irrelevant
  • Earlier sociologists were committed to reshaping society
• What did Alvin Gouldner argue about American sociologists in the 1950s?

  They became 'spiritless technicians'
• What is 'committed sociology' as advocated by Myrdal and Gouldner?

  Sociologists should openly take sides in research
• What do committed sociologists believe about value-free sociology?

  It is impossible and undesirable
• What promise do sociologists make by leaving their values behind?

  They promise not to criticize their paymasters.
• What does Weber criticize sociologists for?

  For not taking moral responsibility for their work.
• What is committed sociology?

  Sociology that openly espouses specific values.
• Who argues for committed sociology?

  Gunnar Myrdal
• What does Gouldner argue about value-free sociology?

  It is impossible and undesirable.
• What example does Gouldner use to illustrate value-free sociology's issues?

  Sociologists selling knowledge to spread disease.
• What does Becker suggest about sociologists' perspectives?

  Sociologists should take the side of the underdogs.
• How does Becker's view differ from traditional positivists and functionalists?

  He advocates for the perspective of the powerless.
• Why does Becker emphasize the importance of the underdog's story?

  To redress the balance in sociology.
• What does Goffman argue about understanding mental patients?

  We must take their side to describe their situation.
• What research methods do interactionists prefer?

  Qualitative methods like participant observation.
• What criticism does Gouldner have of Becker's approach?

  Becker takes a romantic view of disadvantaged groups.
• From which perspective does Gouldner argue sociologists should operate?

  A Marxist perspective.
• What influences the direction of sociological research?

  Funding sources and their interests.
• What can happen if research findings are unacceptable to funding bodies?

  Funding bodies may block publication.
• How might sociologists' career aspirations influence their research?

  They may choose trendy topics to gain recognition.
• What pressure do sociologists in university departments face?

  Pressure to publish research regardless of quality.
• What does Gouldner argue about the influence of values in research?

  All research is influenced by values.
• How do different sociological perspectives reflect societal assumptions?

  They embody different values about society.