Bias in Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The Issue

Do you think that researchers can ever approach a research project 100% objectively (i.e., without any personal bias)?

A long-standing debate between qualitative and quantitative researchers is the idea of human bias. Quantitative researchers operate on the premise that human subjectivity and bias can be mitigated by a research design (in other words, researchers can approach a research topic objectively by asking the right kind of questions). Qualitative researchers, in contrast, believe that humans always operate from a subjective position (that we can never step outside our own perceptions and approach a research project objectively). Where do you stand on this debate? Is objectivity in research possible? Is it valuable? What benefits (if any) might bias bring?

Post your opinion on objectivity and/orbias in sociological research today, and explain your stance.