We have feelings and values. Such feelings and values determine what we study . However, once we have acknowledged our biases, we cannot only report facts that we discover that support our point of view. Defining the problem to be investigated allows subjectivity to creep in. To identify a phenomenon as a problem implies that if falls short of some standard .
Social research is always political .
There is a tendency, however, to judge only that research that challenges the system as political. Another feature of the sociological approach to the study of social problems is to adapt a critical stance . It is important to note at this point that to use a critical approach is not necessarily to criticize. The critical approach calls into question existing myths, stereotypes, and official dogma . Often we hear the charge of BIAS directed only against research that finds fault with the system on behalf of the powerless.