Anthropology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What do anthropologists study?

All the humans throughout time and space.

What are the four subfields of anthropology?

Linguistics, Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, Physical Anthropology.

What is linguistics?

Study of evolution of language; development of language; transmission of language to understand culture.

What is archaeology?

Study of material culture to understand human behavior; Cultural Resource Management (CRM). Signup and view all the answers

What is cultural anthropology?

Studies the variation of learned behaviors; studies how cultures adapt to the new world. Signup and view all the answers

What is physical anthropology?

Studies the biological variation of all humans, ancestors, and near relatives. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do researchers in different subfields work together?

By using applied anthropology: entail the use of anthropological knowledge and methods to solve practical problems. Signup and view all the answers

What are the areas of application for each sub-field?

Cultural Anthropology - Any public or social place; Linguistics - Traveling different countries; Archaeology - Geographical sites; Physical Anthropology - Medical buildings. Signup and view all the answers

How is anthropology unique as a discipline?

It can study the four approaches: bio-cultural, holistic, comparative, and fieldwork. Signup and view all the answers

How did anthropology develop the fieldwork techniques used today?

With people like Franz Boas and Margaret Mead having a much more environmental approach to society seeing nurture as being as important as nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is participant observation and how is it different than previous approaches?

To live and learn within context of culture as well as conducting interviews and discussions with the individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What issues must be considered before an anthropologist can conduct fieldwork?

Temperature, ignition control, ventilation, segregation, and identification. Signup and view all the answers

What is culture shock and how does it affect anthropological research?

Personal disorientation and anxiety that may result in depression, forcing some anthropologists to abandon their fieldwork. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different sources of data cultural anthropologists can collect while conducting fieldwork?

Genealogies, life histories, audio and visual media, formal & informal interviews. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between etic and emic views?

Etic: Outsider's view of culture; Emic: Insider's view of culture. Signup and view all the answers

What are some advantages of formal interviews?

Suitable for all types of business Signup and view all the answers

What are some disadvantages of formal interviews?

Does not allow long term planning Signup and view all the answers

What are some advantages of informal interviews?

Discuss sensitive experiences Signup and view all the answers

What are some disadvantages of informal interviews?

Takes up much time Signup and view all the answers

How do anthropologists report their data after returning from fieldwork?

Ethnography - written description of a culture based on data from fieldwork. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main ethical obligations for anthropologists?

<ol> <li>Primary responsibility to the people's cultures that are being studied; 2. Responsibility to scholarship and science; 3. Responsibility to the public; 4. Responsibility to students and trainees.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Why are ethics so important to fieldwork and the discipline of anthropology?

So research does not harm the safety, dignity, or privacy of the people with whom they work. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anthropology Overview

Anthropologists study humans and their cultures across time and space.
The discipline encompasses four main subfields: Linguistics, Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, and Physical Anthropology.

Subfields of Anthropology

Linguistics: Focuses on language evolution, development, and its cultural transmission.
Archaeology: Studies material culture to interpret human behavior; includes Cultural Resource Management (CRM).
Cultural Anthropology: Examines variations in learned behaviors and cultural adaptations to modern influences.
Physical Anthropology: Investigates biological variations among humans and their relatives.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Researchers collaborate using applied anthropology to address practical problems through established goals and research.

Applications of Subfields

Cultural Anthropology: Engaged in public or social environments.
Linguistic Anthropology: Involved in cross-cultural travel and language studies.
Archaeology: Functions within geographical sites for research.
Physical Anthropology: Commonly operates in medical facilities.

Unique Aspects of Anthropology

Anthropology uniquely employs four approaches: bio-cultural, holistic, comparative, and fieldwork-based research.

Development of Fieldwork Techniques

Prominent anthropologists like Franz Boas and Margaret Mead emphasized the significance of environmental factors, acknowledging the importance of nurture alongside nature.

Participatory Observation Approach

Participatory observation requires anthropologists to live within a culture and engage actively, differing from earlier more detached observational methods.

Considerations for Fieldwork

Factors such as temperature, ignition control, ventilation, segregation, and identification must be addressed prior to fieldwork.

Culture Shock

Culture shock refers to personal disorientation that can lead to anxiety and depression, potentially interrupting research and affecting the anthropologist's perspective.

Data Collection Sources

Cultural anthropologists gather diverse data from genealogies, life histories, audio-visual media, and various interview styles.

Etic vs. Emic Perspectives

Etic: Analysis and interpretation of culture from an outsider's viewpoint.
Emic: Understanding culture through an insider's perspective.

Interview Types

Formal Interviews:
- Advantages: Structured, time-efficient, and clear objectives.
- Disadvantages: Inflexible and lack long-term planning.
Informal Interviews:
- Advantages: Foster discussion of sensitive topics and personal insights.
- Disadvantages: Risk of dishonesty, lack of structure, and time-consuming.

Reporting Data

Anthropologists compile their findings into ethnographies, which are detailed written accounts of cultures studied.

Ethical Responsibilities

Main ethical obligations for anthropologists include prioritizing the community being studied, maintaining scholarly integrity, serving the public, and guiding students and trainees.

Importance of Ethical Standards

Ethical considerations are vital to protect the safety, dignity, and privacy of research participants while preserving the cultural integrity of communities being studied.

Cultural Influence on Perception

An individual's actions and perceptions are profoundly shaped by their cultural context, affecting social interactions and viewpoints.

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Description

Test your knowledge of anthropology with these flashcards that cover key concepts and definitions. Each card provides insight into what anthropologists study, the subfields of anthropology, and the importance of linguistics and archaeology. Perfect for students wanting to reinforce their understanding of the subject.