This is a short discussion forum

Suppose you are a sociologist studying alleged police brutality. Construct two arguments, one proposing that you ought to be as objective as possible in your work and the other suggesting that, while striving for accuracy, you should take a stand against any injustices which your research may uncover. Which position do you find more convincing? Why?

And provide a response (feedback) to 2 classmates.

Classmate #1:

As a sociologist studying police brutality. I would focus on the determination of the each police office. Their strive to maintain order and save lives. It would entitle their full focus and book knowledge of all rules and regulations. My objective would also be to learn to communicate will all the public. Do police officers learn to talk and understand different cultures and races. Another main objective would be to not take judgement on anyone.

On the other hand, along the way learning all the injustices would be another concern. Perhaps a bigger concern. I think learning about injustices would be more convincing to me.

I would focus more on that. The reason why, is because the objective for each police officer should be the same. It is their job to serve and protect all people. Police brutality, may open doors to flaws in the system. Especially as a sociologist, I would be able to piece together if the brutality is linked to race or certain areas.

Classmate #2:

As a sociologist studying alleged police brutality as objectively as possible , I would focus on the hard facts and evidence. I would use participant observation and secondary analysis on where police brutality has occurred and what makes it more likely. With police brutality being the dependent variable , I would uncover the independent variables which will show the pattern of when police brutality has occurred more.

Being as objective as possible with my work will keep out my emotions and personal feelings which may alter my research and make it bias. By being as objective as possible in my work , finding an answer as to why, when, and where alleged police brutality has occurred may be more clear.

On the other hand , while striving for accuracy but taking a stand against any injustices my research may uncover as well, I could use the same methods I listed above. I think although being objective may result in research that may be bias, taking a stand against any injustices is more convincing. It inspires determination and a better argument and research. You may uncover even more research and the results may be more truthful. I could reveal what certain things in a person cause police brutality to be more lonely and what it is linked to.