Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Value neutrality is the practice of remaining impartial, without bias or judgment, during the research process in sociology. It ensures that a researcher's personal beliefs or values do not influence the collection and interpretation of data.
Objectivity: The principle of observing and interpreting social phenomena without allowing personal biases to interfere.
Bias: A tendency to lean in a certain direction, either in favor of or against a particular thing, which can affect impartial judgment.
Ethical Research: Conducting studies and experiments according to established ethical guidelines that protect participants and ensure integrity in research