Values and Data Collection in Social Research. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zahle, Julie
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of science. Volume 85:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 144
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy; Science; Science -- Philosophy; Philosophie des sciences; Epistemology; Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1086/694770
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-767X

Abstract

Abstract : In this article, I offer a partial analysis of the role of values in qualitative data collection in social research. The partial analysis shows that nonepistemic values have both required and permissible roles to play during this phase of research. By appeal to the analysis, I reject the ideal of value-free science as applied to qualitative data collection, and I demonstrate why two alternative ideals should likewise be dismissed as standards for values in qualitative data collection. Also, I briefly discuss the extent to which the partial analysis carries over to quantitative data collection in social research.