Introduction to Anthropology

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Questions and Answers

What is the meaning of the Greek word 'anthropos'?

Culture

Humanity

Word

Man (correct)

What is the primary goal of anthropology, according to Ahmed?

To compare Western and non-Western cultures

To understand ourselves through understanding other cultures (correct)

To study human evolution

To study human biology

What is the focus of anthropology, according to Haviland, Prins, Walrath, and McBride?

The study of human history

The study of human biology

The study of humankind in all times and places (correct)

The study of human culture

What is a technique used in anthropology, according to the University of Ghana?

Participant observation Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of data collected in anthropology, according to the University of Ghana?

Qualitative Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human beings is studied in anthropology, according to Langness?

Human beings in the abstract, including males and females of all colors and shapes Signup and view all the answers

How has anthropology contributed to the relationship between Western and non-Western cultures?

By providing information that supports the mental constructs developed by those in power Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of anthropology, according to the text?

The study of human beings in all aspects, including biology, evolutionary history, society, and culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Enlightenment scholars?

To understand human behavior and society as phenomena that followed defined principles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Cultural Anthropology?

The study of customary patterns in human behavior, thought, and feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Archaeology?

The study of human culture through the recovery and analysis of material remains. Signup and view all the answers

What is Diffusionism?

The spread of certain ideas, customs, or practices from one culture to another. Signup and view all the answers

Who is one of the prominent scholars of German diffusionism?

Father Wilheim Schmidt Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the book that defined diffusion as the spread of certain ideas, customs, or practices from one culture to another?

Haviland, Prins, Walrath and McBride (2011) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Physical Anthropology?

The systemic study of humans as biological organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the school of thought that proposes that every aspect of civilization originated from Egypt?

British diffusionism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Anthropology

Derived from Greek words "anthropos" (man) and "logos" (word), meaning the study of human beings
Represents the science of human beings
The study of other cultures, employing participant observation and collecting qualitative data

Approaches to Anthropology

Defined by Langness (1974) as the scientific study of human beings in the abstract
According to Haviland, Prins, Walrath, and McBride (2011), it is the study of humankind in all times and places
Ahmed (1986) views it as enabling us to understand ourselves through understanding other cultures

Aspects of Anthropology

Studies human beings from biology and evolutionary history to society and culture
Examines the features that distinguish humans from other animal species

Origins of Anthropology

Emerged from the colonial expansion of Europe
Contributed to the gulf between Western and non-Western cultures
Developed during the Age of Enlightenment, focusing on the power of reason to advance society and knowledge

Special Fields of Anthropology

Physical Anthropology: the systemic study of humans as biological organisms
Cultural Anthropology: the study of customary patterns in human behavior, thought, and feelings
Linguistic Anthropology: the study of human languages, including their structure, history, and relation to social and cultural context
Archaeology: the study of human culture through the recovery and analysis of material remains

Theories of Anthropology

Diffusionism: the spread of certain ideas, customs, or practices from one culture to another
British diffusionists: proposed that every aspect of civilization originated from Egypt and spread to other parts of the world
German diffusionists: led by Father Wilheim Schmidt, with similar views to the British diffusionists

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of anthropology, a social science that studies human beings. Learn about the origin of the word anthropology and its significance in understanding human cultures.