Sociological Theory: Positivistic, Interpretative, And Critical Essay

Sociological Theory Positivistic, Interpretative, and CriticalComment on the three types of sociological theories, explain and argue, basedon your library or net profit research, which type of possibility is the aroundappropriate theory for sociology to adopt.The three general types of sociological theory are positivistic, interpretiveand sarcastic theory.In determining which theory is the most appropriate forsociology to adopt,a basic understanding of each theorys strengths andweaknesses is necessary.In defining each of these theories, it is important todetermine the ontological footing orthe theorys basis for determining what isknowable the epistemological basis or the theorys relationship surrounded by theknower and the knowable and, finally, the methodological basis or the theorysmethod for satisfying data 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 dete rminism.The positivist knows that areality is "out there" to be defined and categorized.The disfranchised sciences from thetime of Newton and Decartes have traditionally relied on the positivisticapproach.The positivist hopes to be able to approximate "reality" in a detailed evocation 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 corpse distant anddoes not interact with the observation or experiment.Values and any otherfactors that might lead to preconceived opinion are to be carefully removed so that the cold,monological gaze of science can be used to analyze the data.The positivist is anobjectivist.3.Methodology.The methodology of positivism is experimental and manipulative . The approach isthe equivalent as propounded in most junior high science classesbegin 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 same as objectivism.Each has its own "norms for proceeding witha particular form of inquiry in a rational manner."However, because of theorientation of each theory, the end results will vary. base upon these difference, critical theory does not seem to be a theory thatshould be adopted by sociologists.It belongs more in the realm of politics andlegislation.Critical theory in that context could take advantage of scientificinquiry by both positivistic and interpretive sociologists to makedeterminations about social change.If indeed critical theorist are to beinvolved in sociological study, full disclosure of prejudices and objectiveswould be needed for any inquiry to be beneficial and trustworthy.Postpositivism remains the best approach for observing the exteriors ofsociety.Coupled with the interpretivists view of the interior culture, the twotheories working hand 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 dust of sociological research.