Positivism

Positivists, also known as Structuralists, believe that sociology should be seen in the same way as the natural sciences - chemistry, physics etc. They think that sociology is a science and that data should be objectively observed and classified. All conclusions can then be treated as social facts. Positivists like to discover the casual links - if A happens then B will happen, Cause and Effect.

Macro sociologists such as positivists study society as a whole and not the individuals within it. They believe that individuals are directed by society.

Positivists tend to deal with quantitative data, this is data that can be easily represented in numerical/statistical form. Sociologists, such as positivists can then form scientific generalisations.

This form of data tends to be more reliable and representative.

Positivists strive for objectivity in their work. This means not taking sides or making judgements. If something is objective it is factual and free from opinion. Positivists want objectivity in their work as it makes it more value free and ultimately scientific.