Research Methods

Qno1: Discuss qualitative and quantitative research approaches appropriate for anthropological
research.
Research Methods
Qualitative Quantitative
Nature: Qualitative research focuses on Nature: Quantitative research employs numerical
understanding human behaviour, culture, and data and statistical analysis to identify patterns,
social phenomena from participants' relationships, and trends within human societies
perspectives. and cultures.
Methods used: Participant observation, In-depth Methods used: Surveys and Questionnaires,
interview, Focus groups Statistical Analysis, Archaeological Excavations
Strength: Details insight into human experience, Strength: Provides objective, measurable data,
flexibility, understanding culture better enables systematic comparisons, facilitates the
identification of patterns
Weakness: Subjectivity and bias, Time and
resource limitation Weakness: Lack of Contextual Understanding,
Difficulty in Capturing Unobservable Factors
Application of Qualitative
 Study of cultural belief Application of Qualitative
 Studying relationship  Examining demographic trends,
 Personal narratives  migration patterns
 Investigating social structures
 Kinship systems
Qno2: What methods of Anthropological research make it distinct from research in other social
sciences?
 Cultural Understanding: To understand and describe the diversity of human cultures, their
practices, beliefs, and social structures.
 Comparative Analysis: To compare different cultures and societies to identify patterns,
variations, and universalities in human behaviour.
 Cultural Evolution: To explore the historical development and changes within cultures over
time.
 Applied Anthropology: To address real-world problems and provide practical solutions by
applying anthropological knowledge in areas such as development, healthcare, education, and
more.
 Holistic Perspective: To approach the study of humanity holistically, considering both biological
and cultural aspects, and recognizing the interconnectedness of various elements within a
society.
 Participant Observation: Anthropologists often engage in prolonged and immersive participant
observation, where they actively participate in the daily lives of the people they study.
Qno3: Differentiate between etic and emic approaches used in anthropological research, and
highlight various ethnographic techniques used by ethnographers in conducting research in
anthropology.
1) Etic Approach:
 Studies a culture from an outsider's perspective.
2) Emic Approach:
 Understands a culture from an insider's perspective
3) Ethnographic Techniques in Anthropological Research:

 Participant Observation:
 In-depth immersion in the daily lives of the community.
 Active participation in activities while observing and taking notes.
 Interviews:
 Structured or unstructured conversations for gathering information.
 Explores experiences, beliefs, and perspectives of individuals or groups.
 Surveys and Questionnaires:
 Systematic collection of data through standardized questions.
 Useful for obtaining quantitative data on a larger scale.
 Life Histories:
 In-depth interviews capturing an individual's entire life story.
 Focuses on personal experiences, challenges, and changes over time.
 Mapping and Spatial Analysis:
 Documenting and analyzing spatial relationships within a community.
 Provides insights into social organization and land use.
 Photography and Film:
 Using visual media to document and represent cultural practices.
 Enhances the descriptive power of ethnography.
 Language Analysis:
 Studying the language of a community, including vocabulary and grammar.
 Aids in understanding cultural categories and communication styles.
Qno4: Give a distinction between technique, method and methodology. What tools of data
collection are usually used in anthropology?
Qno5: What are the major Anthropological Research Techniques which are used to collect field
data? Also, discuss how Qualitative Research is different from Quantitative Research.
Qno6: Discuss the issue of objectivity and subjectivity in the field of social research. Explain
whether or not objective research is attainable in social anthropology

Research Methods

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Qno1: Discuss qualitative and quantitative research approaches appropriate for anthropological

3) Ethnographic Techniques in Anthropological Research:

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