This episode introduces foundational concepts in sociological research. It explores the core methodological debate between positivism and interpretivism, highlighting their differing approaches to studying society – whether it should be treated as a science with measurable data or understood through subjective human meanings. The source also discusses the role of values in research, contrasting the positivist ideal of value-free inquiry with the interpretivist view that values are inherent and can even be beneficial. Finally, it outlines the systematic stages of the sociological research process, from forming aims and hypotheses to data analysis and evaluation.