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A theory can be defined as a set of unrelated hypotheses offering explanations for natural events.
A theory can be defined as a set of unrelated hypotheses offering explanations for natural events.
False (B)
The terms 'perspectives' and 'schools of thought' are rarely used interchangeably with the term 'theory'.
The terms 'perspectives' and 'schools of thought' are rarely used interchangeably with the term 'theory'.
False (B)
Evolutionism, which posits that societies evolve in multiple directions, dominated anthropological thought in the late 19th century.
Evolutionism, which posits that societies evolve in multiple directions, dominated anthropological thought in the late 19th century.
False (B)
Edward B. Tylor and Lewis Henry Morgan are known for their support of multilineal evolution.
Edward B. Tylor and Lewis Henry Morgan are known for their support of multilineal evolution.
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Darwinian evolution had no effect on the evolutionary thinking of early anthropological theorists.
Darwinian evolution had no effect on the evolutionary thinking of early anthropological theorists.
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Cultural ecology, also known as socio-evolutionism, tries to explain the human condition in relation to the environment.
Cultural ecology, also known as socio-evolutionism, tries to explain the human condition in relation to the environment.
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The school of cultural ecology embraces the idea of geographical determinism, which argues that the environment determines culture.
The school of cultural ecology embraces the idea of geographical determinism, which argues that the environment determines culture.
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Cultural ecology posits that the interaction between humanity and its environment is one-directional, with culture modifying the environment alone.
Cultural ecology posits that the interaction between humanity and its environment is one-directional, with culture modifying the environment alone.
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Cultural materialism, advanced by Marvin Harris, proposes that the infrastructure of a society, including technology and environment, is the key determinant of socio-cultural evolution.
Cultural materialism, advanced by Marvin Harris, proposes that the infrastructure of a society, including technology and environment, is the key determinant of socio-cultural evolution.
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Structuralism, along with ethnosciecne and symbolic anthropology, focuses on external, material structures that provide order to culture.
Structuralism, along with ethnosciecne and symbolic anthropology, focuses on external, material structures that provide order to culture.
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Study Notes
Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology
- Sociocultural anthropology is a systematic study of human societies and cultures
- It seeks to understand how societies operate and evolve
- It investigates human behaviours and social interactions
Theories in Sociocultural Anthropology
- Evolutionism: This theory suggests that societies evolve in a single direction toward complexity. Proponents include Edward B. Tylor and Lewis Henry Morgan
- Diffusionism: This theory posits that societal change occurs when societies borrow cultural traits from one another.
- Historical Particularism: This theory emphasizes individual cultural development. It was pioneered by Franz Boas
- Functionalism: This theory views culture as an integrated whole. It focuses on how parts of a society contribute to the stability of the whole
- Culture and Personality: This theory looks at how culture shapes individuals' personality.
- Neo-Functionalism: Discusses conflict as an inherent part of social organization.
- Marxist Anthropology: Derived from the writings of Karl Marx, this theory focuses on societal conflict and competition among social classes.
- Cultural Ecology: This theory examines the dynamic relationship between humans and their environment
- Cultural Materialism: This theory emphasizes material conditions as the basis of social organization
- Structuralism: This theory highlights cognitive structures as the basis for culture
- Ethnoscience: This theory stresses the structural principles within specific cultures and aims to understand how people interpret and understand their environment.
- Symbolic Anthropology: This theory focuses on the symbolic meaning behind cultural aspects.
Research Methods in Sociocultural Anthropology
- Deductive vs. Inductive Approaches: Deduction draws from general principles to specific observations and induction from particular instances to general theories.
- Identifying the Research Topic: Researchers are motivated to find problems to investigate, often triggered by personal experiences or observations.
- Literature Review: This is essential to understand previous research and identify gaps or new perspectives.
- Research Design: This involves detailed ways of conducting research through site selection; subject selection; and methodologies of data collection
- Data Collection Strategies: Methods include participant observation, key informant interviews, genealogical method, ethnographic conversations, life histories etc.
- Data Analysis: Qualitative data is analysed using descriptive statements to understand the meaning behind data. Quantitative data is analysed statistically and with computer models.
- Research Report: Reporting research findings in a formal report.
- Emic vs. Etic Approaches: Emic is from the insider's perspective and etic from the observer's perspective
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts and theories of sociocultural anthropology. This quiz covers various theories such as evolutionism, diffusionism, and functionalism, focusing on how societies operate and evolve. Delve into how culture influences human behavior and social interactions.
