2-2 Assignment: Personal Bias

Instructions

Researchers  aim to limit personal biases as much as possible if not completely.  This is difficult in any field, perhaps particularly in sociology as the  researcher is unable to remove themselves completely from the subject  matter: social interaction. Due to this, the researcher must take steps  to identify and limit their biases as much as possible. For this  assignment, you will watch a video clip  on objectivity in research and answer the questions below. The  responses should reflect your educated opinion, therefore include  references for any sources you use. Include any personal experience you  have in regards to the question. You will then choose a sociological  theory, Conflict Theory, Functionalist Theory, Interactionist Theory, and address how, by using that theory, you can limit personal bias in your research.

1. Is complete objectivity impossible to achieve? Why? Or why not?

2. How do culture (religion, learned appropriate social responses,  etiquette), environment (where you were born, friends, family  structure), and personal characteristics (race, gender, socioeconomical  status) affect objectivity?

3. Should a researcher strive for complete objectivity? Why? Or why not?

4. How can you limit personal bias using the sociological theory you selected?