Chapter 13

Question 1

Reflecting today’s world, in which people, images, and information move about as never before, fieldwork must be more flexible and done on a larger scale. The result of such fieldwork is often an ethnography that

Answer 1

is increasingly multisited and multitimed, integrating analyses of external organizations and forces to understand local phenomena.

Question 2

Despite the variety of research techniques the ethnographer may utilize in the field, in the best studies the hallmark of ethnography remains

Answer 2

entering the community and getting to know its people.

Question 3

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

Answer 3

ethnography

Question 4

Franz Boas is the undisputed father of four-field U.S. anthropology. One of his most important and enduring contributions to anthropology was

Answer 4

showing that human biology is plastic, and that biology (including race) does not determine culture.

Question 5

Characteristic field techniques of the ethnographer include detailed work with key consultants, direct, firsthand observation of behavior, including participant observation, in-depth interviewing, often leading to the collection of life histories, and problem-oriented research.

Answer 5

true

Question 6

“What right do ethnographers have to represent a people or culture to which they don’t belong?” This question illustrates

Answer 6

anthropology’s crisis in representation—questions about the role of the ethnographer and the nature of ethnographic authority.

Question 7

An agreement to take part in research after having the nature, procedures, and possible impacts of the research explained is known as

Answer 7

informed consent.

Question 8

Traditionally, ethnographers have tried to understand the whole of a particular culture.

Answer 8

true

Question 9

The emic perspective focuses on local explanations of criteria and significance.

Answer 9

true

Question 10

An etic approach refers to a scientific perspective, it emphasizes the categories, interpretations, and features that the anthropologist considers important

Answer 10

true

Question 11

Longitudinal research is the long-term study of a community, region, society, culture, or other unit, usually based on repeated visits.

Answer 11

true

Question 12

In the field, ethnographers strive to establish rapport: a good, friendly working relationship, based on personal contact,

Answer 12

achieved in large part by engaging in participant observation.

Question 13

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

Answer 13

local- and scientist-oriented research approaches.

Question 14

The quest for ethnographic realism suggests that the goal the writer should be to produce an accurate, objective, realistic, and scientific account.

Answer 14

true

Question 15

In many nonindustrial societies that anthropologists have studied, family is not as important as it is in North American society.

Answer 15

false

Question 16

A key cultural consultant is an expert on a particular aspect of local life. A person who will open up and share with you, helping you understand the inner workings of their culture.

Answer 16

true

Question 17

Life histories can reveal how particular people perceive, react to, and contribute to the changes that affect their lives

Answer 17

true

Question 18

Participating in local life means constantly talking to people and asking questions. What is the most important thing for an anthropologist to do after asking a question?

Answer 18

listen

Question 19

Anthropologists strive to establish rapport with the people in their research culture. Rapport means

Answer 19

a friendly, harmonious relationship based on trust

Question 20

The Genealogical Method

Answer 20

uses diagrams and symbols to record the kin, or kinship connections within a culture.