Objectivity in Sociology

• Objectivity

  Free from bias
• Value freedom

  Objectivity.

  Sociology shouldn't be influenced by the researchers beliefs or ideas. Associated with the positivist approach in Sociology.
• Subjectivity

  bias or a lack of objectivity. Individuals own viewpoints influence their judgement.
• Value-Laden

  Subjective

  Research is influenced by personal beliefs.

  Associated with the interpretivist approach in sociology.
• Name some more objective research methods:

  • Hard statistics (e.g. official statistics)
  • Closed ended questionnaires
  • Structured non-participant observation if categories are operationalised beforehand
  • Experiments (especially lab experiments)
• Name some subjective research methods

  • Unstructured interviews
  • Observations (covert and participant)
  • Soft statistics (e.g. crime surveys)