Objectivity & Subjectivity

• What must a researcher avoid to be objective?

  Allowing values, bias, or views to impact research
• Why is objectivity considered paramount in scientific research?

  It ensures reliability and scientific validity
• What do some critics argue about sociology's objectivity?

  Researchers' views and values affect topic choice
• Who argued that sociologists should remain objective in their research?

  Weber
• What do postmodernists argue about objectivity in research?

  Objectivity is impossible at all research stages
• What do many sociologists believe about their biases in research?

  They should never influence research design
• What do interpretivist sociologists focus on in their research?

  Subjective views and interpretations of subjects
• What is the stance of most interpretivists regarding objectivity?

  They urge sociologists to be objective
• What is reflexivity in sociological research?

  The act of reflecting on researcher impact
• Why do some interpretivists and postmodernists argue against objectivity?

  Researchers are part of the society studied
• What must researchers acknowledge according to reflexivity?

  Their own bias and influencing values