Anthropology

A holistic study of what it mean to be human

Subfields of Anthropology
Four basic fields of Anthropology:
Archaeology

Linguistics
Physical
Cultural

Characteristics of Research
Holism
Ground-up research
Descriptive vs.

experimental vs.
predictive

Seeks to be in the field

Insider
s Perspective
Attention to contexts

Comparative
Ethical representation: of

those we study and of the

research process, including:
Disclosure of researcher
s
position

Showing research as a process

Showing complexity of
research process

Examples of Stuff and Style:

Language
Religion
Clothing
Food

Tragedies
Homeland
Heritage/
blood

Phenotype/race

Dance

Past
/ Historical events

Just about
anything

Participant Observation
Advantages

Develops familiarity with

everyday life or normative

contexts.
Provides insights into
behaviors and practices.
Helps with understanding
what people do versus
what they say they do.

Disadvantages
Time Consuming

Data Heavy
Requires researcher to

be aware of personal
bias and previous
experiences that might
cloud the data.

Types of Interviews
Structured

Unstructured

Asked same questions

Asked open-ended questions

Same order

Respond in own words

Same Conditions

Can be in different order

Interviewer has more control

Informant has more control