Questions and Answers
What is value freedom in sociological research?
The ability to be objective and remove personal beliefs from research
What is the positivist view on objectivity in sociological research?
Objectivity is possible and desirable
What is the main methodological approach of positivists?
Quantitative data collection
What is the interpretivist view on objectivity in sociological research?
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Why do interpretivists believe that research is always biased?
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What is the main goal of positivists in sociological research?
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What is a potential influence on the outcome of research?
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Which of the following sociologists is associated with taking the side of the underdog?
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What is the primary goal of Durkheim's study on suicide?
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What is a criticism of Durkheim's study on suicide from an interpretivist perspective?
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What is the primary difference between positivist and interpretivist approaches to sociology?
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What is the implication of Durkheim's study on suicide from a positivist perspective?
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Study Notes
Values and Value Freedom in Sociological Research
- Values are beliefs, opinions, and prejudices influenced by social structures we belong to
- Value freedom refers to being objective and removing personal beliefs from research
Positivist and Interpretivist Views on Value Freedom
- Positivists: YES, it is possible and desirable to remain objective and produce true and scientific knowledge about society
- Interpretivists: NO, it is impossible to remain objective; sociological research will always be subjective and contain bias
Positivist Approach
- Aims to uncover truth and social facts to make society better
- Methods: quantitative data, objective, and reliable
- Objectivity through detachment/neutrality, avoiding personal contact
- Example: Durkheim's study on suicide, using official statistics to draw correlations between suicides in different countries, urban/rural areas, religions, and marital status
Interpretivist Critique of Positivism
- Subject choice is biased based on researchers' values (e.g., feminists vs. malestream sociology)
- Methodological choices are value-laden
- Funding influences results (e.g., pleasing funding bodies)
- Values guide research (Gouldner), taking the side of the underdog (Becker), and entirely values-based (feminists)
Interpretivist Approach
- Example: criticisms of Durkheim's suicide study, arguing that judgments were subjective and influenced by personal experiences and values
Conclusion
- Durkheim's study: proof that sociology can be scientific and value-free (positivist view)
- Durkheim's study: cannot be value-free due to subjective judgments and personal influences (interpretivist view)
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