Objectivity is important for competent research but values cannot be completely eliminated from the research process. The document discusses different types of values such as external values from outside the research community and internal values held by researchers. Some values are considered epistemologically relevant if they influence the interpretation of results in a non-scientific way, while epistemologically irrelevant values encourage objective research. There is no perfect way to insulate against all values, but the scientific community works to minimize bias through processes like peer review, replication, and allowing marginalized groups to participate.

1. Postpositivism and Value Neutrality Chapter 3: Objectivity, Relativity and Value Neutrality Objectivity is important for competent research. Values may contaminate inquiry The scientific community values it Helps us agree on what is true Relativity of perspective does not always lead to subjectivity or bias. Eliminating relativistic and value-laden terms can create common language and facilitate problem solving.

2. Some Minor Critiques of Value Neutrality Studying values involves valuation; values must enter research. Doesn’t follow: Procedures/concepts can be free from their influence. All science is inherently biased; many biased projects exist. Overgeneralization Some value orientations are unconsciously held by all researchers in a socio-historical context or all science, its conceptual tools and categories are male biased. Maybe, but it’s difficult to prove universalisms, like all capitalists or all white males. Also- if there is no “Truth” and all inquiry is biased, these critiques don’t really hold any meaning…

3. Answering Critiques of Value Neutrality Major Critiques The act of selecting what to research is by nature a value judgment undermining value neutrality. Evaluation of hypotheses, theories and data necessitates use of values. Depends on what you mean by values… Postpositivists agree that there are values intrinsically contained in research…but we guard against which ones are in there.

4. Distinction Among Types of Values External values are values existing outside of the research (or research community), they may influence what is studied, but not how it’s studied. Internal values are those held by the researcher they may maintain critical standards of objectivity or they may be biased, but they can exist independent of external influence.

5. Another Distinction More importantly though, some values are Epistemologically Relevant : When a researcher allows beliefs that are not related to his or her field of study to influence the interpretation of results. Epistemologically Irrelevant : When a researcher is influenced by and actively employs beliefs that encourage objective, scientifically valid research and advance the epistemic concern of science. These are also known as cognitive values .

6. Detecting Bias and Influence of Values There really is no foolproof way to insulate against these values creeping into research. Science as a community does this… Peer review and critique, Freedom of research, Valuing replication, Open dialogue Enfranchisement of the marginalized Sandra Harding: Calls for more opportunity for those outside the dominant group to participate. those on the outside of the community are more able to see problems and challenge dominant beliefs.