Introduction and Ethics

Question 1

what is anthropology?

Answer 1

study of the cultural and biological aspects of all humans in all places, at all times (as well as primates)
anthro=man, ology=study of

Question 2

what are the four types of anthropology? Which kind does this class focus on?

Answer 2

1. cultural and social anthropology
2. linguistic anthropology
3. archaeological anthropology
4. biological/physical anthropology (what we’re studying)

Question 3

what is forensic science?

Answer 3

scientific knowledge to criminal problems

Question 4

locard’s principle

Answer 4

any 2 objects that come into contact with each other leave traces upon the other

Question 5

what is forensic anthropology?

Answer 5

study of skeletal material that comes under jurisdiction of law enforcement, an applied science, research into unexplained death

Question 6

what types of cases are involved with forensic anthropology?

Answer 6

1. skeletal or decomposed
2. burned or cremated
3. heavily fractured or dismembered
4. mass fatalities and human rights

Question 7

what are the main objectives in forensic anthropology?

Answer 7

1. biological profile (age, sex, ancestry, stature)
2. recognize identifying characteristics
3. identify traumatic events
4. establish time since death (post mortem interval)
5. aid in locating/recovering remains
   (they do not determine cause of death)

Question 8

ethics

Answer 8

findings can seriously impact the lives of others

• may determine the fate of someone’s loved one
• may condemn or exonerate an individual

Question 9

why is confidentiality important?

Answer 9

• private details need to remain away from the public in order to not hinder an investigation
• that includes not talking to the press or public and resisting the urge to talk about high profile or unusual cases

Question 10

social-cultural anthropology

Answer 10

utilizes direct observation of cultures using a method called ethnography (descriptive study of society)

Question 11

linguistic anthropology

Answer 11

systematic study of human language and communication with particular focus on the interaction of language and culture

Question 12

archaeology anthropology

Answer 12

• study of ancient things
• study of past human life and culture through the examination of material culture
• recover, analyze, and identify material