Speaking on the topic of the relevance of objectivity to sound research, it is important to note that the social sciences, like sociology, are specialized in precise scientific methods. Therefore, it is possible to suggest that the subject of sociology is considered to be hard for studying in a traditional course and manner. In order to be to carry out any scientific conclusion on the sociological topic, the social scientist must be able to lead and efficiently conduct sound research. With the view to advance in the above mentioned task, it is necessary to debate on the topic of whether objectivity is essential to sound research or not.
According to Theodore Porter, “Objectivity has come to mean pursuing lines of inquiry within the parameters of particular values and goals. Objectivity seems to be linked to particular values, rather than to a single universal one.” (Porter, 2005, p. 204). Thus, it is possible to suggest that objectivity leads sociologist to accurate and unprejudiced results.
If one lacks objectivity, then one’s results might be distorted or even ineffectual because of the ignorance of other scholars’ works and scientific studies that are not similar to one’s view point. Similar to Porter, another scholar Marion Goldman, analyzing Benjamin Zablocki’s and Thomas Robbins’ point of view, suggests that “Without removing one’s objectivity during sociology sound research, one can easily compromise the research” (Goldman, 2003, vol. 28, p. 441).
There also exists a contrary point of view that suggests objectivity should be regarded as unachievable and even inappropriate phenomenon in sociology science. Those scholars support such an assumption also claim that objectivity is not essential and not relevant to sociology sound research. In order to support this point of view Richard Swedberg, analyzing Max Weber’s sociology studies, proposes that “objectivity is rejected as an appropriate or attainable standard for any form of enquiry, including the natural sciences” (Swedberg, 2003, vol. 29, pp. 284-285).
If regard the latter view point, then it is possible to suggest, that objectivity is not essential to sound research, as it is actually an ideal. It is not possible for any sociologist to achieve the true objectivity in sound research, as well as in any other sociology research or sociologists’ interpretations from similar projections shaped by one’s values, beliefs and individual life experiences.
Such claim proves that the yield of sociology knowledge, and sound research as a part of it, is simply the work of individuals from the society, who are originally intrinsic in relations of those individuals and sociology systems of understanding. The idea suggested by Peter Callero proves the above provided information, “just like anyone else, social scientists cannot escape their own heads into a neutral place from which to observe social reality.
Thus, the practice of trying to reach ‘objectivity’ is an exercise in deliberately considering your topic, question, or interpretation from many different angles.” (Callero, 2003, vol. 29, pp. 117- 118). Therefore, it follows that objectivity is not essential to sound research.
After analyzing all of the above provided facts and opinions of credible scholars, it is possible to conclude that it is not possible to define exactly if objectivity is essential to sound research or not. On the one hand, objectivity is essential to sound research as well as to any other sociological approach as it provides sociologist with certain knowledge needed to hold and conduct such research related to human behavior in single cases and in society as whole. On the other hand, it is not, as any sociologist is a part of society and is not able to regard him or her self apart from this society.
Works Cited
Callero, Peter L. “The Sociology of the Self.” Annual Review of Sociology (2003): 115+.
Goldman, Marion S. “Benjamin Zablocki and Thomas Robbins, Eds. Misunderstanding Cults: Searching for Objectivity in a Controversial Field.” Canadian Journal of Sociology 28.3 (2003): 441+.
Porter, Theodore M. Trust in Numbers: The Pursuit of Objectivity in Science and Public Life. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2005.
Swedberg, Richard. “The Changing Picture of Max Weber’s Sociology.” Annual Review of Sociology (2003): 283+.