Academics remember Max Weber as someone whose works influenced social theory and social research profoundly. One of his contributions that still apply today is his belief in value-free research. By value-free research, Max Weber meant that researchers should conduct their research objectively without allowing their values (political, moral, religious, and ethical values among others) to influence the process. When formulating a research question, one may do so based on his values. However, when it comes to the process of research, these values should not get in the way, as this is the only way to ensure that the results obtained are correct.
The notion of value-free research is wishful thinking. Human beings make decisions based on their values. In every situation, they would want to prove the correctness of their values or try to ensure that their values prevail. Researchers, being part of the social world, still possess the weak characteristics of human nature, and as such, it is not possible for them to be value-free completely (Macionis 40). Nevertheless, they should try to ensure value-free research.
Researchers should try to be value-free when researching, as this ensures that they will make correct conclusions. Society stands to gain many benefits if the research is accurate. For instance, research helps to discover new and better ways of doing things, which help to better the lives of the members of the public. An ineffective study, on the other hand, may cause significant problems for the people. For example, if the study involved in the manufacture of medicines is not correct, people may lose their lives. For these reasons, researchers ought to try to conduct value-free research. They can achieve this by using different approaches. One of the best strategies is to have diversity in the team, as it helps to understand the research (Macionis 44). A diverse group will consist of members of different social statuses, racial, religious, and political backgrounds. All the participants should air their views concerning the different perspectives of the research, as this would give the researchers a chance to view each other’s concerns and reach a common ground. Such a strategy would ensure that the researchers do not enter a biased conclusion.
Works Cited
Macionis, John J. Sociology. 15th ed., Pearson, 2013.
