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Methodology of Social Research Sukanya Das, Lovely Professional University

note unit-2: objectivity/Value neutrality

contents
objectives

introduction
2.1 Meaning and Characteristics of objectivity
2.2 Need of Scientific Study: Importance of Objectivity
2.3 Difficulties in Achieving Objectivity

2.4 Mean and Methods for Achieving objectivity
2.5 summary
2.6 Keywords
2.7 review Questions

2.8 further readings

objectives

After studying this unit students will be able to:
y Understand the meaning of objectivity
y Know about the importance of objectivity.

introduction

the main objective of any science, whether it is natural science or social science, is to achieve true
knowledge, know the reality and reach the truth. for this, it is necessary to enquire the facts in the same
form as they are originally in. objective study is researching any event in the same form as it occurred.
On the contrary, when the researcher studies the event under the influence of his beliefs, feelings,
prejudices, imaginations, values, personal partialities, etc then it is known as subjective study. this
type of study cannot be used to reach to a scientific conclusion because scientific conclusions are based
upon objective or real facts and events. Scientific study or objective study is not individual-oriented
but fact-oriented. these facts depend on real survey, tests and analysis. since science is a medium to
discover truth, it always gives importance to objective study. Therefore, scientific study is necessary
to understand truth and achievement of objectivity is necessary for scientific study.

2.1 Meaning and Characteristics of Objectivity

the survey, compilation and analysis of facts in their original form is objectivity. to view a social event
in its original form and represent it in the same form is objectivity. it means that when the researcher
surveys the events independent of his views, feelings, values, prejudices, etc, compiles them and on
that basis reaches some conclusion then we can say that there is objectivity in the study. Whether

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