Research Methods
Mémoires Gratuits : Research Methods. Recherche parmi 300 000+ dissertationsPar shuaila89 • 29 Mars 2013 • 246 Mots (1 Pages) • 878 Vues
Explain why it is important to remain objective while doing a research
Objectivity can be defined as
“the basic conviction that there is or must be some permanent,
ahistorical matrix or framework to which we can ultimately appeal
in determining the nature of rationality, knowledge, truth, reality,
goodness, or rightness.”
(Bernstein 1983: 8)
to remain objective while doing a research is important because research is something that is for the public and it offers knowledge about the social world that cannot be gained by other means. Therefore, it is important the research it is unbiased not just a reflection of ones own opinion. It must be fair and unprejudiced. The findings may challenge ones own beliefs of that of the public. A research is objective when it has a neutral viewpoitn
The Introduction noted that objectivity, along with generalization and
explanation, were considered as fundamental characteristics of a science.
After all, if we are to hold to the view that social science research offers
us knowledge about the social world which is not necessarily available
by other means, then we are making some privileged claims about our
work. Research thus becomes more than a reflection of our opinions and
prejudices: it substantiates, refutes, organizes or generates our theories
and produces evidence which may challenge not only our own beliefs,
but also those of society in general.
It is at this point that the debate over objectivity in the social sciences
enters. It is often assumed that if our values do not enter into our
research, it is objective and above criticism. Objectivity is therefore
defined as
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