objectivity and values

Question 1

What do positivists believe about objectivity and values?

Answer 1

• sociology can and should be free from values
• they believe it studies empirical and objective social facts

Question 2

What does Weber believe about objectivity and values?

Answer 2

• agrees with positivists to an extent
• agrees that research can be objective and free from values however sociologists will always use their values in choosing their research topic and identifying concepts
• therefore says sociology can be value relevant

Question 3

What do interpretivists believe about objectivity and values?

Answer 3

• the nature of sociology means that values will always influence research

Question 4

What does Becker believe about objectivity and values?

Answer 4

• the best thing a researcher can do is clearly state all the values they have in their research
• this allows the audience to be aware of their values and consider for themselves how the research may have been impacted

Question 5

What do postmodernists believe about objectivity and values?

Answer 5

• believe in relativism which is the idea that all the major theories are based on values and assumptions and are therefore not true

Question 6

What is an A03 to the postmodernist view of objectivity and values?

Answer 6

• this would mean postmodernism is also based on values and assumption and also isnt true