'Sociologists inevitably make value judgements in the course of their research, but this should not stop them from trying to be objective'. Examine how far sociologists agree with this view.

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‘Sociologists inevitably make value judgements in the course of their research, but this should not stop them from trying to be objective’.

Examine how far sociologists agree with this view.

Sociologists make unavoidable value judgements based on their own values in the course of their research, the research has to be value free and the type of research they are using mist also reflect this. But this should not stop them from trying to be ‘objective’. The term ‘objective’ may refer to an attitude of mind deemed proper to a scientific investigator: detached, unprejudiced, open to whatever the evidence may reveal. Alternatively it may be applied to the methods of investigation employed or its outcome. Much of what is taught in courses on sociological method are procedures designed to protect investigations from bias in the collection or interpretation of evidence: random sampling, the use of controls, piloting of questionnaires and so on are designed to eliminate biases and ensure objectivity. Value judgements are a statement of preference or a moral commitment to a position i.e. what should be rather than what is.

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The question is whether value judgements unavoidably made in the course of research should not stop sociologists from trying to be objective and also can sociology be value free. Value free is where there is an absence of moral or political values entering the research process. Sociologist views on this differ. Examples of those who agree are Max Weber. Those who disagree and think it is impossible to be value free in sociology are Gouldner.

Max Weber argued that sociologist's values should be kept out of their research, and they should not make value judgements – judgements about ...

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