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Flashcards

Objectivity & Values in Sociology

Saurabh Zagade English 33 cards

Cards in this deck (33)

  1. 1Classical sociologists and values-
  2. 21)Do positivists believe sociology can achieve objective knowledge? 2)How would they do this?1) Yes, positivists believe sociology can obtain objective knowledge and truth 2) by basing themselves on the natural sciences, using methods that keep sociologists detached from their research subjects.
  3. 3Do interpretevists think Sociology can be objective?No, Interpretevists argue that sociology is subjective, since it involves understanding humans from their eyes.
  4. 4Define: PositivismThe believe that society is made up of 'social facts' that can be studied scientifically to discover the laws of cause and effect. With this knowledge they can provide solutions to problems
  5. 5Define: InterpretevismInterepretevists focus on how individuals construct the world through meaning and we create and attach to events, actions and situations. They believe in free will conscience and choice.
  6. 6Define: ObjectivityThe absence of bias or preconceived ideas. It implies that we can look at things without our opinions or values getting in the way.
  7. 7Define: SubjectivityBias or lack of objectivity, where the individuals view point influences their perception or judgement.
  8. 8Define: Value Freedom Who favours value freedom?The idea that values can and should be kept separate from research.
    Modernists favour value freedom but others argue it not possible nor desirable, since values are necessary to select a topic of research and to interpret the findings.
  9. 9Identify 2 early positivists. HINT: D A.CDurkheim
    Auguste Comte
  10. 101)What view did Comte and Durkheim both share? HINT: E _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2)What would this reveal and provide for society?1)They both shared the Enlightenment view or the role of sociology. 2) In their view scientific sociology would reveal the one correct society. By discovering the truth about society, sociologists would be able to objectively state what was really best for society.
  11. 11Was Marx a positivist?There is a debate as to whether he was a positivist.
  12. 121)How did Marx see himself? 2) Which methods did he believe would reveal the line of development of human society?1) Marx saw himself as a scientist 2) He believed his method of historical analysis, historical materialism, could reveal the line of development of human society.
  13. 13What was the role of Marx's sociology?To reveal the truth about development of evolution through a series of different class based societies based on exploitation. He states that a scientific approach will show society how to reach communism.
  14. 14In what way is Marx similar to Durkheim and Comte?They all see science as helping to improve society.
  15. 15Was Weber an interpretevist or a positivist?Interpretevist
  16. 16What did Weber see as essential in sociological research?He saw values as an essential role in research.
  17. 17What are the 4 stages of research process according to Weber?1) Values as a guide to research
    2)Data collection and hypothesis testing
    3)Values in the interpretation of data
    4)Value and the sociologist and a citizen
  18. 18Why are there values involved in 'The guide to research?' Give an example.Sociologists research what they deem to be important based on their own values. Thus values are essential in enabling sociologists to select which aspects of society to study.
    e.g. Feminists regard gender equality as important thus they research women's oppression
  19. 19Are there values involved in 'Data collection and hypothesis testing'? according to WeberAccording to Weber, during this phase sociologists should aim to be as objective as possible when collecting facts. e.g. there should not be leading questions as the questions should aim respondents to give their view and not our own. The hypothesis should also fall solely on whether or not it fits the observed facts.
  20. 20Are values important when interpreting the data?The facts need to be set out in a theoretical framework so that we can understand their significance and meaning. Weber argues that our perspective is influenced by our values thus researchers must be explicit about this, so that others can see if there is unconscious bias in the interpretation of data.
  21. 21What does Weber argue that researchers should take responsibility for as a citizen?They argue that researchers as humans and citizens should not dodge moral or political issues of their work and should take full responsibility for the harm their research might do.
  22. 22Summarise Weber's view of values in sociology.Weber sees values as important in determining what to research, interpreting the data, and deciding what to do with the finding. However, he argues that values should not be present when testing the hypothesis and gathering data.
  23. 23Value freedom and commitment-
  24. 24What is committed sociology?The sociologist spells out the importance of their personal values to their research.
  25. 25Do mid 20th century positivists argue that there should be a committed sociology? why?No, They believe that sociologists should remain morally neutral, they should simply state the truth and not praise or condemn it. This would make sociology appear more scientific.
  26. 26According to Gouldner, is value-free sociology possible? is it desirable?1) Gouldner argues that value-free sociology is not possible as the sociologists own values are bound to be reflected in their work. 2)Value-free sociology is also undesirable as without values to guide research, sociologists are putting their services out for the highest bidder.
  27. 27What is sociological research often funded by?Sources of funding may include government departments, businesses and voluntary organisations
  28. 28What are the disadvantages to research which has been funded?- Sociologist's work is likely to embody the value and interests of the paymasters
    -In some cases, funding organisations may prevent publications if the research findings are unacceptable.
  29. 29Give an example of this. HINT: B.R. - Bank HolidayThe Black Report (1980) into class inequalities in health, the conservative government arranged for it's release over the bank holiday weekend, with the hope of reducing its publicity as the report's finding counter argued the government's views.
  30. 30How might careers influence the choice of topic? Give 3 reasons-Researchers may want to enhance their career thus their choice of research may be influenced by something in fashion.
    -Some may censor themselves with a fear of being too outspoken and risk harming their careers.
    -Sociologists in university departments are likely to be under pressure to publish research, regardless of usefulness or quality
  31. 31What is relativism?Different groups. cultures and individuals have different views of what is true. Each one sees the world in their own distinctive way, perspectives using their own concepts.
    -There is no independent way of judging if a view is more 'true' than others
  32. 32Do relativists believe there is objective truth?No, they believe there is no absolute and objective truth, just truth's plural.
  33. 33What do postmodernists reject?They like relativists, reject the idea of one superior truth. Any perspective which claims to have the truth is a meta-narrative. All knowledge from any perspective, is based on values or assumptions so there is no special claim to the truth.

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A Levels Sociology (A2 Theory and Methods) Flashcards on Objectivity & Values in Sociology, created by isabella_gouveia on 16/05/2015.
Created by
Saurabh Zagade
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  • Created by Isa - · May 16, 2015
  • Copied by Saurabh Zagade · Dec 18, 2016
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