Exam 3: Method and Theory in Cultural Anthropology

The overall trend in anthropological theory has been from theories that put human agency at the center of cultural dynamics to paradigms that see evolution as the main force behind cultural change.

The American Anthropological Association Code of Ethics prohibits anthropologists from working with governments on matters of national security.

Manchester anthropologists Max Gluckman and Victor Turner made conflict an important part of their analysis, distancing themselves somewhat from Panglossian functionalism, the tendency to see things as functioning not just to maintain the system but to do so in the most optimal way possible.

What do you think is the relation between theory and methods in anthropology, if they relate at all?

The research technique that uses diagrams and symbols to record kin connections is called

What is the genealogical method, and why did it develop in anthropology?

Survey research is usually conducted through intensive personal contact with the study subjects.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic field technique of the ethnographer?

Traditional ethnographic research focused on the single community or culture, which was treated as more or less isolated and unique in time and space; however,

The actions individuals take, both alone and in groups, in forming and transforming cultural identities are referred to as

What advantages might a project that combines both quantitative and qualitative techniques have over one that utilizes only one or the other? What research situation might be best suited to such a combined strategy?

Interpretive anthropologists such as Clifford Geertz approach the study of culture as

Provide a brief account of the history of theory in the discipline.Does this account support the view that much of the history of anthropology has been about the roles and relative prominence of culture?

Which of the following terms refers to the theoretical paradigm that holds that customs (social practices) function to preserve the social structure?

The etic perspective refers to a non-scientific perspective.

Franz Boas's famous biological studies of European immigrants to the United States revealed and measured phenotypical plasticity, showing that the environment and cultural forces could change human biology.

Which of the following research methods is a distinctive strategy within anthropology?

Much of the history of anthropology has been about the roles and relative prominence of culture and the individual.

Ethnographers typically combine emic and etic research strategies in their fieldwork.This means they are interested in applying both

What advantages do you see in ethnographic research techniques? What are the advantages for survey techniques? Which one would you choose, and what would that choice depend upon?