Which term describes the lack of objectivity; the researcher's view influences the approach taken?

Which term describes the lack of objectivity; the researcher's view influences the approach taken?

• A. Subjectivity
• B. Laboratory experiments
• C. Focus group
• D. Longitudinal survey

Answer: (A)

Subjectivity is at play when a researcher’s own views, beliefs, or experiences shape how the study is designed and how data are interpreted. If personal perspective influences what is asked, how responses are coded, or which findings are emphasized, objectivity is compromised. In sociology, this shows up as the researcher’s lens guiding the approach and conclusions. The other options refer to methods or designs rather than this influence: a laboratory experiment is a controlled method aiming for precision; a focus group is a discussion-based data collection method; a longitudinal survey tracks changes over time. While these can be conducted with care to reduce bias, they don’t describe the lack of objectivity itself.

Subjectivity is at play when a researcher’s own views, beliefs, or experiences shape how the study is designed and how data are interpreted. If personal perspective influences what is asked, how responses are coded, or which findings are emphasized, objectivity is compromised. In sociology, this shows up as the researcher’s lens guiding the approach and conclusions.

The other options refer to methods or designs rather than this influence: a laboratory experiment is a controlled method aiming for precision; a focus group is a discussion-based data collection method; a longitudinal survey tracks changes over time. While these can be conducted with care to reduce bias, they don’t describe the lack of objectivity itself.