Value freedom (objectivity/subjectivity) debate
Key assumptions:
Value freedom occurs when sociologists ensure that their own personal views/ideologies (values) do not affect the way research is conducted and research outcomes.
A ey debate is between positivists who believe that value free sociology is possible versus interpretivists who believe it is not possible.
Positivist views / Interpretivist (anti-positivist, interactionism) views
Value free sociology is possible:
1.  Because it is possible for sociologists to follow the logic of natural science research. Although experimental research is rarely used because of practical (difficulties controlling variables) and ethical issues (potential harm to participants), the logic of natural science research can be followed (hypothetico deductive model). For example sociologists should only look at what is directly observable (no feelings, emotions etc.).
2.  Sociologists can be objective:
a) They can ensure that their own personal ideologies do not enter into their research-remaining detached and neutral.
b) By using quantitative methods which allow little room for researcher bias. E.g. 1 Official statistics such as death rates are “hard data” (little room for subjectivity). For example Durkheim made use of official suicide rates to establish an objective and scientific theory of suicide. E.g. 2 Structured interviews questions are standardised and allow little room for interviewer involvement. For example the BCS has set questions on victimisation where the interviewer’s role is limited to asking questions and recording data on a laptop.
3.  When analysing data the sociologist merely looks for patterns and deals with facts in an objective way. / Value free sociology is not possible:
1.  Because it is not possible for sociologists to follow the logic of natural science research. This is because the subject matter of the natural and social sciences is fundamentally different.

2.  Sociologist cannot be objective:
a) They cannot ensure their own personal ideologies do not enter into their research. For example the choice of topic and which BSA ethical guidelines to observe involve the personal ideologies of the sociologist. Some sociologists are happy to carry out CPO studies on crime even though it involves deception and exploitation of pps.
b) Quantitative research methods inevitably involve bias/values. E.g. 1 Official statistics are social constructions which reflect the values of a range of social actors. For example suicide stats. Are not social facts but data influenced by the decision making of family members and coroners. (N.b. could develop this idea based on suicide notes, plus could also explain why crime stats are social constructions eg under-reporting, under-recording etc.)E.g. 2 Structured interviews involve choosing a set of predetermined questions and bias can be instilled in terms of tone of voice when asking questions.
3.  The analysis of data is subjective because it involves choices of what to include/exclude and involves interpretations.
Sociology should be value free:
·  Produces knowledge that is certain.
·  Can generalise.
·  Establish laws of cause and effect.
·  Make predictions.
·  Can be replicated.
·  Gain data that is high in reliability.
For example positivistic researchers at the home office claim to be able to generalise about crime trends and make predictions about patterns of victimisation because of their use of large scale social surveys. / Sociology should not be value free:
1.  Not desirable to be value free. Therefore interpretivists favour the use of qualitative methods such as observation and informal interviews to find out about meanings, feelings and actions.
Furthermore a non scientific approach generates data that is highly valid, insightful and achieves verstehen. For example interpretivist feminists Dobash and Dobash gained a true and detailed understanding of women’s experience of domestic violence by carrying out informal interviews which lasted for up to twelve hours.
Oakley argues that only by taking an active part in the research process can the sociologist gain the trust of those they research. She argues that sociologists should be open about their bias (reflexive) as shown through her research into motherhood. She believes feminist methodology should be collaborative and democratic.
2.  A further example is illustrated trough McIntyre’s journalistic CPO study into football hooliganism. McIntyre managed to build up rapport and consequently achieved verstehen* with the Chelsea head-hunters.
*To denote the understanding we have of human activities.
Critical philosophical points:
·  Value free sociology is not possible. This is because even natural science is not value free.
E.g. 1 Funding institutions the way research is done and the outcomes.
E.g. 2 Lynch argues that scientists disregard evidence that goes against their theories. E.g. Dr Velinovsky
·  Increasingly sociologists triangulate to achieve research outcomes which are both objective and subjective.