Dorothy smith
The concept of Alternative Sociology
seems to me, to be the real form that any form observation exists as. As impartial
as an administrator of a survey or test may be, the final interpretation after
the fact, may be influenced. An example of this could be a choice when describing
two groups in conflict. There would be two main options to describe the smaller
power, the insurgents or the freedom fighters. Both titles can be accurately
applied to such a small group involved in a conflict. However one gives a
positive look and the other a negative, and the labeling for the group is
entirely dependent on what is chosen to be recorded and again reported.
Perhaps
I should be more specific to that of a sociologist facing the difficulties of
remaining objective. First of all, any to be considered credible sociological examination
would require in-depth and/or time consuming examination. One of the main purposes
or functions of a sociologist is to explain or propose an explanation for what
was observer. The time spent collecting the data would most likely, result
where the sociologist having a significant understanding of the context in which
the events or actions occurred. In this way the explanations may likely refer to
the internal perspective and be mentioned with intended meaning instead of how
it was perceived by an outsider. In this it is possible that the whole set of
proposals are in some degree biased. I think that the only way for a non-biases
explanation of whatever information is gained through sociological observation,
is if the notes and any data were examined by a second and unattached
sociologist. Otherwise there may be no explanations, and only bland statistics
and records.
There
is a danger of any biased observations, regardless of the field that they are
for. That danger is the overlooking or marginalization of the things that are drastically
important but are not necessarily considered by the subjects in question as important.
The ignorance of these things could not only distort simple information, but
also cause great harm if the biased information is taken as truth and actions
taken based upon it.
I found this cool little explanation of biasness
You did a great job summarizing this concept. The issue of biases can be a real problem for researchers when collecting data, as they can potentially ruin an experiment. I also enjoyed the biased babies.
ReplyDeleteI also really liked your sumblog talking about Dorothy Smith and her idea of Alternative Sociology. I strongly agree that bias are a part of life and that each individuals opinions will influence the way they view things. I believe that like you said above sociologists who view things in society will have a bias and that will affect their ideology. Each individual would probably agree that we can view things that others are doing and all have different perspectives on what we are viewing. I believe bias's can be very harmful in sociological situations because they may view things as negative when they may be something that is actually positive for some people. However I do think that bias's can be important because I like the idea that we have different back rounds and cultures that influence the way we think about things.
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