Positivism supports objectivity

Positivism is a branch of philosophical research that only employs science and maths to prove its theories. It can, therefore, be argued that positivism is the best approach to academic research because it focuses on hard facts and empirical evidence, like data and statistics rather than subjective human observation, to reveal the true nature of society^[1]. It is positivism’s staunch adherence to scientific methods of research which renders it superior, as it does not rely on the subjectivity of human observation for proof of existence. Positivists work under the assumption that if something exists then it must be able to be proved through data and statistics. If it cannot, then that thing must not exist^[2]. The positivist reliance on hard sciences means that they are able to draw near-absolute conclusions which leaves little room for debate. This renders it a superior research methodology because it leaves little room for contradiction. Numbers have no bias and they don’t lie. The facts and figures they employ result in definite conclusions of true, false, or meaningless.^[2]. Its adherence to practical evidence introduces objectivity to the study because it actively excludes evidence with it tainted by human emotion and bias – that is, subjectivity. Positivism gives no weight to human subjective observations which are not backed by data and statistics, arguing that proof can only come from objective observations. This quantitative methodology removes human judgment and bias from the research, ensuring that results represent what is really there rather than what the researcher thinks is there.

[P1] Positivist research methods rely only on numbers and data for proof. [P2] Positivism excludes theoretical and metaphysical evidence based on human objectivity. [P3] Positivism assumes that if something exists it will be proved by objective mathematical or logical evidence. [P4] The absence of human bias and subjectivity results in concrete rather than theoretical conclusions.