On descriptions, rectifications, and scientific objectivity: methodological reflections from a research on sexual behavior and HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men

Abstract

This essay reflects on the positivity of knowledge produced by ethnographic approaches, based on the discussion on a research about men who have sex with men and vulnerability to HIV/ AIDS, Considering that both explanatory and comprehensive methodologies are present, to a greater or less extent, in all investigations in human and social sciences, this essay proposes as false the opposition between both principles. It challenges the scientificity criteria of “scientific common sense” that use mathematics as demarcator. The text exemplifies how the critical description of the act of researching, and rectifying the obstacles to knowledge identified in the path itself grant objectivity to the resulting knowledge. The ethnographic differential of this essay consists of explaining the researchers’ field experience as a critical and analytical resource.