Theory

• What is the main issue regarding value freedom in sociology?


  Whether sociologists can prevent their personal values from influencing their research
• Why is it argued that sociological research could be subjective?


  If personal values enter the research, it may be considered invalid
• What do positivist sociologists believe about value freedom?


  They argue that they can be value free by eliminating personal values from research
• What is a crucial element of positivist theory?


  Sociologists must eliminate their personal values and beliefs from the research process
• How do positivist researchers view the relationship between facts and values?


  They assume that facts and values can and should be separated
• Who is an early sociologist that believed in conducting research in a 'value free' way?

  Durkheim
• What did Max Weber contribute to the debate about values in sociology?


  He stated that sociologists should discover social facts but acknowledged personal values would cloud research
• How does Weber's view differ from that of positivists regarding values in research?


  Weber believed personal values would always influence research, while positivists believed they could be eliminated
• What approach did Weber advocate for sociological research?


  A phenomenological approach using qualitative methods
• In what ways can values enter into sociological research?


  Through the selection of research areas and the choice of data collection methods
• How can observational studies be biased according to the study material?


  They may focus on small areas of social life, missing broader contexts
• How can the choice of questions in questionnaires and interviews reflect a researcher's values?


  The questions selected may align with the researcher's personal beliefs and interests
• What does the analysis of data involve that can introduce bias?


  It can be a selective process where researchers may ignore facts that contradict their views
• Who developed the idea of labelling in sociology?


  Howard Becker
• What is Becker's stance on the pursuit of objectivity in sociology?


  He argues that it is pointless because values are unavoidable
• What does Becker suggest sociologists should do regarding the 'underdogs'?


  They should favor the voices of less powerful individuals in society
• How does Alvin Gouldner's view on value freedom compare to Becker's?


  Gouldner agrees with Becker that value freedom is impossible in sociology
• What analogy does Gouldner use to illustrate the inseparability of sociologists and their values?


  The analogy of the minotaur
• What does Gouldner believe sociologists should do regarding their values?


  They should openly state their opinions and values
• How can sociologists demonstrate that their research may not be biased?


  By showing that findings do not align with their hopes or expectations
• Who conducted research into class barriers in Britain?

  Peter Lampl
• What does David Marsland argue about sociology as a whole?


  It is biased in favor of left-wing points of view and critical of capitalism
• What does Marsland suggest about sociology textbooks?


  They may be biased in their selection of material and arguments
• How does Marsland describe the presentation of opposing views in sociology texts?


  One side may be set up weakly to make it easy to criticize
• Which philosopher's views does Marsland argue are largely ignored in sociology?

  Friedrich Nietzsche
• Why are Nietzsche's views often overlooked according to Marsland?


  Due to his association with right-wing views
• What story might a sociology teacher read to illustrate the debate about values?

  The story of the minotaur