Final answer:
Objectivity in the context of sociological research demands intellectual honesty and impartiality, as it's crucial for sociologists to avoid personal biases and focus on evidence-based findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Objectivity requires intellectual honesty and impartiality. Sociologists aim to approach their research with a mindset that avoids personal biases and favors a neutral perspective that is open to all evidence, regardless of whether it supports or contradicts their hypotheses or personal beliefs. They focus on collecting and analyzing data objectively, striving to maintain value neutrality and to report their findings accurately. This methodology helps build credibility or ethos with readers and ensures the knowledge produced is based on verified data, careful examination, and a critical thinking approach that is devoid of subjective influences, personal opinions, and speculative bias.