Learning Objective 3 & 4 Check

According to Weber, sociological research should be:

• Value-free and objective

• Subjective and interpretive

• Focused on social change

• Influenced by personal biases

What is the primary challenge with achieving objectivity in sociological research?

• Research methods are always biased.

• Sociologists' values cannot be completely separated from research.

• The scientific community rejects sociological studies.

• All sociological studies have no practical application.

Which of the following is a method to reduce biases in sociological research?

• Subjectivity

• Replication

• Personal interpretation

• Use of personal experiences

Replication in sociological research is used to:

• Ensure research reflects the personal views of the researcher.

• Increase the emotional impact of the study.

• Verify if the same results can be reproduced in repeated studies.

• Focus on social reforms and policy changes.

What is the disagreement among sociologists regarding the purposes of sociology?

• Whether sociology should be subjective or objective.

• Whether sociology should focus on understanding social behavior or on reforming society.

• Whether sociology should focus on qualitative or quantitative research.

• Whether sociology should prioritize individual or group behavior.

Which of the following best describes the position of sociologists who believe the goal of sociology is to understand social behavior?

• Sociology should be used for social reform.

• Sociological knowledge should belong to the scientific community and can be used by anyone for any purpose.

• Sociologists should intervene in social issues directly.

• Research findings should be kept secret to prevent social disturbance.

The opposing position in the sociological debate argues that:

• Sociology should only focus on advancing knowledge and not on solving social problems.

• Sociologists should focus on investigating harmful social conditions and lead reform efforts.

• Sociology should remain completely neutral and avoid any social involvement.

• Sociology should aim to prove existing theories without questioning societal structures.

Which term best describes Weber's approach to understanding human behavior by 'grasping by insight'?

• Social facts

• Verstehen

According to Weber, the best interpreter of human behavior is someone who:

• Has read extensively about the behavior in question.

• Has studied social facts in a detached manner.

• Has personal experience with the behavior being studied.

• Remains neutral and uninvolved in the research.

In contrast to Verstehen, Emile Durkheim focused on:

• The subjective meanings behind individuals’ actions.

• The social structures and objective conditions that influence behavior.

• The individual psychological factors behind behavior.

• The emotional and personal experiences of people.