This document discusses how personal bias cannot be fully avoided in sociological research, but maximum objectivity should be striven for. It notes that factors like a researcher's culture, environment, and personal characteristics can influence their perspectives and choices in ways that impact objectivity. While complete objectivity is impossible, acknowledging one's biases and seeking alternative viewpoints through research partners can help limit biases and produce more credible results. The document emphasizes that objectivity should remain the goal in sociological work to ensure results are seen as valuable.

1. Running head: PERSONAL BIAS 1
(2-2) Assignment: Personal Bias
Alexandra Perkins
Southern New Hampshire University

2. PERSONAL BIAS 2
Complete objectivity cannot be fully achieved. As researchers, sociologists have bias
based on their morals, values, race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc., that can influence the way
that they conduct research. In segment two of Truth be Told, Objectivity in Research, several
sociologists discuss how complete objectivity in sociological research cannot be achieved, but
maximum objectivity should be striven for. Researcher Dr. Barrie Thone discusses, “Objectivity
is important if it's understood as trying to be fair minded, trying to be aware of one's own biases
and standpoints and background and how it might shape and limit what you see or write about”
(Crouch, 2005). Knowledge of how personal biases can shape research findings will help to
control these biases.
Culture, environment and personal characteristics effect objectivity. Interest in pursuing
sociological research is fueled by the connection that the researcher has to the topic. Culture in
the form of religion, appropriate social responses and etiquette can influence a researcher to
choose research topics. For example, a pro-life advocate might conduct a study on the quality of
life and mental health of women after receiving abortions. Acknowledging that personal opinions
regarding pro-life values might influence research outcomes is vital to achieving objective
research. Likewise, environment also influences objectivity. Personal bias can present itself in
the way research is conducted. For example, having a family who suffers from addiction history
can influence a researcher to unknowingly empathize more with members of that community
than those without. Additionally, personal characteristics also influence objectivity.
Characteristics like race, gender and socioeconomic status play significant roles in the way that
research is viewed by the researcher. Sociologist Dr. Nicole Reaburn states, “And so the
questions that I might be interested in asking are shaped by the fact that I'm a lesbian and shaped
by the fact that I'm a feminist, but also shaped by the fact that I'm white and have white skin

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privilege. And I have class privilege because I'm upper middle class” (Crouch, 2005). However,
acknowledging that personal biases influence perspective is the only way to limit the influence
they have on research outcomes.
A researcher should strive for maximum objectivity. Although complete objectivity is not
possible to achieve, finding methods and research partners to help maximize the level of
objectivity in research is what makes research credible. Dr. John Heeren explains, “Most social
researchers would have to acknowledge that if we don't hold objectivity as a kind of goal, then
the work that we do will not be seen as very valuable to anybody” (Crouch, 2005). As a social
science, sociologists are part of the events that they study. It is impossible not to have personal
involvement in some form. Yet, having this awareness is keystone to producing the most
accurate results.
Limiting personal bias using conflict theory can be difficult. Social problems in conflict
theory arise when “a group, believing that its interests are not being met or that it is not receiving
sufficient scarce resources, works to overcome what it perceives as a disadvantage” (Sullivan,
2016). Therefore, limiting personal bias is problematic due to the predisposition regarding the
injustice suffered. However, maximum objectivity is necessary to ensure truthful, credible
results. For example, a sociologist who is part of an ethnic minority will have personal bias about
life as a member of that community. Limiting the degree of empathy for minorities while
conducting research and limiting prejudice toward communities that discriminate based on
ethnicity is essential. When conducting research, finding a partner to peer-review work who does
not have personal ties to the community with strengthen results. It will also provide another
perspective to how research should be conducted/evaluated. Additionally, gathering information

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from both the community who suffers the injustice and those who discriminate (if necessary for
research) will further strengthen validity of the results.

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References
Crouch, M. (Narrator). (2005). Truth be told (The way we live) [Streaming video]. Retrieved from
SAGE Video.
Sullivan, T. J. (2016) Introduction to social problems (10th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.