VALUE FREE

Question 1

Value freedom

Answer 1

Idea that values and beliefs of researcher don’t enter research and results

Question 2

MAIN ARGUMENTS

Answer 2

Value freedom is possible

Sociology is inevitably value laden

Sociology should be committed to and fight for disadvantaged groups

Question 3

VALUE FREE AS POSSIBLE

Answer 3

Methods used so subjectivity of researcher don’t influence research

There are high in validity, reliability, quantifiable open to critique

Question 4

VALUE FREE AS DESIREABLE

Answer 4

POSITIVISTS = Soc can and should be no different from physical sciences, can be OBJECTIVE

Question 5

VALUE LADEN

Answer 5

NOT POSSIBLE:
No shared paradigm
Domain assumptions
Subject matter
Funding bodies
Research as one viewpoint in many (PM)

Question 6

SHARED PARADIGMS

Answer 6

KUHN = Value free as myth,scientists influenced by paradigms

Paradigm = Framework of knowledge through which ppl see world/science ideas e.g, gravity as agreed concept after Newtons discovery

Question 8

DOMAIN ASSUMPTIONS

Answer 8

GOULDNER = Influenced by domain assumptions i.e. basic ideas ab social life + nature of soc
Effective ‘value freedom’ such as observation, allow researchers see social world directly

Question 9

SUBJECT MATTER

Answer 9

Issues not just values of researcher but also subject matter
VF as difficult in Sociology, human behaviour unpredictable

Hawthorne Effect and Social Desirability

Question 10

FUNDING BODIES

Answer 10

Socs noted funding for research
Research may be based on what get funded, rather than research focus

Question 11

VALUE COMMITED

Answer 11

Soc as NOT value free, SHOULD embrace values
JONES = 2 broad approaches:
Compassionate soc = Becker
Political radical approach = Gouldner, Marxists, Feminists

NOT because research data produced for case in changing policy, YES FOR LADEN

Question 12

SOCIAL ACTION

Answer 12

BECKER = Underdog perspective, change society through research
Socs should CHALLENGE assumptions of wider society e.g. labelling

Question 13

MARXISM

Answer 13

Role of research to uncover ways society benefits RC
CAPITALISM challenged = class consciousness
WILLIS = Wc boys in low paid jobs

EVAL
GOULDNER = Action, research lead change

Question 14

FEMINISTS

Answer 14

NO value free = Research as malestream

EXPOSE dominance, change world + patriarchy

OAKLEY = ‘Collab friends’ , subjects as co-researcher to see exploitation, involve women

Question 15

METHODOLOGICAL PLURALISM

Answer 15

Objectivity and subjectivity if funding available
CAN be BOTH value free and laden

EVAL = PET issues
Increased time + cost, compromise ethics? , complex to analyse data