topic 6: value freedom and objectivity

Question 1

define objectivity

Answer 1

the extent to which researchers have ensured that their own values and beliefs have not had any influence on the research (value freedom)

Question 2

positivism on objectivity

Answer 2

qualitative methods lack objectivity because of value imposition

Question 3

why might qualitative methods be low in objectivity?

Answer 3

— unstructured/semi structured interview may have value imposition due to leading questions, leading body language, Cherry 🍒 picking

— researcher may GO NATIVE when trying to build rapport

Question 4

how can interpretivists increase the objectivity of their qualitative methods?

Answer 4

— reflexivity (document stages of research and self evaluate any possible value imposition)

— respondent validation (but then what do you if the participant denies your findings?)

Question 5

why may positivist quantitative methods be low in objectivity

Answer 5

in restricting the interviewee to a limited scientific way of answering closed questions, the researcher is imposing positivist values on the research.

the research subject should be free to discuss whatever they want without these positivist values restricting what they can say