Sociological Theory: Positivistic, Interpretative, And Critical Essay

Sociological surmise Positivistic, Interpretative, and CriticalComment on the three types of sociological theories, explain and argue, establishon your library or Internet research, which type of theory is the about(predicate)appropriate theory for sociology to adopt.The three general types of sociological theory atomic number 18 overconfident, interpretiveand critical theory.In determining which theory is the most appropriate forsociology to adopt,a primary understanding of each theorys strengths andweaknesses is necessary.In defining each of these theories, it is important todetermine the ontological basis orthe theorys basis for determining what isknowable the epistemological basis or the theorys relationship between theknower and the knowable and, finally, the methodological basis or the theorysmethod for gathering entropy and obtaining knowledge.A.POSITIVISTIC1.Ontology.The positivistic theory is based on an ontology ofbeing a realist.The realisticslant of positivism is also known as determinism.The positivist knows that areality is "out there" to be delimitate and categorized.The hard sciences from thetime of Newton and Decartes have traditionally relied on the positivistic climax.The positivist hopes to be able to approximate "reality" in a detailedgeneralization or theory on how reality operates.The theories of a positivistgenerallytake the form of cause and effect laws describing the outsidereality.Robert Merton defined these theorems as "clear verifiable statements ofthe relationships between specified variables."2.Epistemology.Positivism relies onan objective epistemology.The observer remains distant anddoes not interact with the observation or experiment.Values and either otherfactors that might lead to bias are to be carefully removed so that the cold,monological gaze of science can be employ to analyze the data.The positivist is anobjectivist.3.Methodology.The methodology of positivism is experimental and mani pulative. The approach isthe aforementioned(prenominal) as propounded in most junior high science classes get down with ahypothesis on how "reality" works, then gather data and test the data againstthe hypothesis.The question propounded initially is tested against empiricaldata gathered in the experiment under carefully controlled conditions.B.INTERPRETIVE1.Ontology.The interpretivist ontology is relativism.The... ...late objectivity.This is not the resembling as objectivism.Each has its own "norms for proceeding witha particular form of motion in a rational manner."However, because of theorientation of each theory, the end results depart vary.Based upon these difference, critical theory does not seem to be a theory thatshould be adopted by sociologists.It belongs more in the farming of politics andlegislation.Critical theory in that context could take advantage of scientificinquiry by both(prenominal) positivistic and interpretive sociologists to makedetermin ations about social change.If indeed critical theorist are to be multiform in sociological study, full disclosure of prejudices and objectiveswould be needed for any(prenominal) inquiry to be beneficial and trustworthy.Postpositivism remains the best approach for law-abiding the exteriors ofsociety.Coupled with the interpretivists view of the interior culture, the twotheories working feed in hand would be most beneficial for the sociologist inexamining society.Utilizing a dual approach would be the most comprehensive andgive the scientific inquiry both depth and span in evaluating our societies andcreating a useable body of sociological research.