How is the issue of objectivity central to social research?

Objectivity is a value that is important to some social researchers because it ensures social research is reporting the material reality of a social phenomenon rather than conveying the biases, opinions, or personality of the researcher. One example of objectivity in social research is cultural relativism, or the concept that social phenomena observed in a specific culture should be analyzed and understood according to that culture. This is considered objective because it forces the researcher...

Objectivity is a value that is important to some social researchers because it ensures social research is reporting the material reality of a social phenomenon rather than conveying the biases, opinions, or personality of the researcher. One example of objectivity in social research is cultural relativism, or the concept that social phenomena observed in a specific culture should be analyzed and understood according to that culture. This is considered objective because it forces the researcher not to make judgement calls on the basis of the researcher's own cultural bias or understanding.

Some social researchers believe total objectivity is not possible. Even researchers aiming for objectivity may not realize how their own biases and opinions influence their choice of topic, focus, or analysis. Even sociological perspective can influence how a social researcher interprets social phenomena; for example, one supporting a functionalist perspective may perceive social harmony where a Marxist researcher would see inter-group struggle. Both may be examining the same community, but by using different frameworks they can emphasize different parts of a society to draw conclusions in line with their perspectives.