then we will take a look at various techniques commonly used in sociological research, such as experiments, observations, and surveys. we will pay particular attention to the ethical challenges sociologists face in studying human behavior and to the debate raised by max weber's call for "value neutrality" in social science research. we will also examine the role that technology plays in research today. the social policy section considers the difficulties in researching human sexuality. finally,the chapter appendixes provide guidelines for understanding tables and graphs and writing up research.