Objectivity and Subjectivity in Sociological Research

• Objectivity

  The ability to examine society and have a value-free approach using scientific quantitative research methods
• Subjectivity

  The view that sociology cannot be value free and is inevitably influenced by the values of the sociologists, funding bodies, and research participants
• Durkheim's research into suicide was an attempt to examine society from an objective viewpoint
• Durkheim's research

  • Examined quantitative data in the form of comparing official statistics on suicide
  • Used the comparative method to examine social differences between the victims of suicide
• Durkheim's method was criticized as not being truly objective as the data was based on subjective judgments of coroners
• Durkheim was also influenced by his own values, as a close friend had committed suicide
• Positivist view

  Objectivity is possible in research by focusing on directly observable physical actions and behaviors, using standardized methods, and numerical data
• Interpretivist view

  Objectivity is impossible when studying human behavior as people are not predictable, and research needs to be subjective to understand the meanings and motivations behind actions
• Guldner's proposal

  • Sociologists should state their values upfront so their peers can analyse how this may have influenced the research
  • This allows the research process itself to remain objective
• Weber's view

  • Sociologists should strive to be value-free in their research, rejecting hypotheses if unproven
  • Data should be collected and analyzed in an objective manner
• Positivists argue sociologists should be detached from their choice of topic to be objective, but interpretivists suggest this is not possible as sociologists are still influenced by factors like funding bodies
• Interpretivists believe sociology should reflect the interests of those being studied and their relationships with those in power