objectivity and values

• objectivity


  where the research doesn't involve opinion, bias, or prejudice, and is only based on empirical evidence
• Heisenberg principle


  Simply observing an electron, causes them to change speed so cannot find the true speed. Therefore, you cannot be objective when observing
• Early positivists


  e.g. Comt

  Viewed sociology as a science and their job was to objectively uncover the truth about how society works.
• Weber


  A value cannot be proven or disproven, therefore facts and values are separate
• 4 stages of the research process

  1- values as a guide to research area

  2- data collection and hypothesis testing (objective)

  3- Values in the interpretation of data (choice of theoretical framework)

  4- values as a citizen (research may cause harm so values must be considered in application of data)
• Modern Positivists


  Argue their own values are irrelevant because they desire to appear scientific and they focus on the social position of sociology i.e. being hired
• Gouldner


  A value free sociology is impossible and undesirable.
• Becker


  Sociologists should adopt a stance taking the side of the underdogs because less is known about them and by taking no side, you automatically take the side of the powerful group.
• Funding and careers


  funding bodies often control the direction of the research and sociologists may choose certain topics or censor themselves to further their career.
• Relativism


  Different people have different views as to what is true so there is no one objective truth.
• Postmodernism


  Claiming a single truth is just a meta-narrative.
• Disregarding values


  We can still observe and record facts and then the data can be used to judge other theories. The values mater less than explaining society.