Challenges of Research Objectivity in a Plural Society The Case of Nigeria

Abstract

This article based on descriptive analytical desk information examines the challenges of objectivity in social science research in a plural society with special reference to Nigeria. It reveals that although objectivity is a cherished ideal of social science research, it is challenging to attain in a society like Nigeria characterized by multiple identities such as ethnicity, regionalism, religion and language. These segmental cleavages hugely reflect in concept formation, choice of language, ethical considerations, instruments adopted in data collection and analysis among others by researchers and scholars in Nigeria.