Description
Researchers aim to limit personal biases as much as possible, if not completely. In sociology, it is hard for researchers to remove themselves completely from the subject matter. The researcher must take steps to identify and limit their biases as much as possible. For this assignment, you will watch Truth Be Told (26:45), a video on objectivity in research, and answer the questions below. The responses should reflect your educated opinion, so include references for any sources you use. Include any personal experience you have with the question. You will then choose a sociological theory (conflict, functionalist, or interactionist theory). Finally, you will address how, by using that theory, you can limit personal bias in your research.Is complete objectivity impossible to achieve? Why? Or why not?How do culture (religion, learned appropriate social responses, etiquette), environment (where you were born, friends, family structure), and personal characteristics (race, gender, socioeconomic status) affect objectivity?Should a researcher strive for complete objectivity? Why? Or why not?How can you limit personal bias using the sociological theory you selected? (Functionalism)
