What is Anthropology?

Question 1

Which of the following is not a subfield of anthropology?

a) Physical anthropology
b) Linguistic anthropology
c) Sociocultural anthropology
d) Paleontology
e) Archaeology

Answer 1

d) Paleontology

Question 2

“Armchair anthropology” differs from “verandah anthropology” in that:

Answer 2

Verandah anthropologists traveled to colonized countries where they conducted research but did not live with the people they were studying. Armchair anthropologists studied cultures from afar.

Question 3

Informed consent is :

Answer 3

A requirement that the researcher inform the participants of the intent, benefits and possible effects of the study and obtain their consent either in writing or orally.

Question 4

In their interview, Drs. Gewertz and Errington explain their reasons for going to Papua New Guinea for their PhD fieldwork. Today, these reasons would no longer be valid because:

Answer 4

Doing research in a far away place is no longer required and the discipline of anthropology has changed very much over the last 20 years.

Question 5

Rapport is:

Answer 5

A trusting relationship between the researcher and the study population.

Question 6

A young and unmarried female researcher is likely to face more difficulties than a young and unmarried male researcher because:

Answer 6

People in most cultures consider a young unmarried female on her own extremely unusual.

Question 7

Reverse culture shock is:

Answer 7

The stress and feelings of discomfort that an anthropologist may experience returning home from the field.

Question 8

What does participant observation require ?

Answer 8

It requires the anthropologist to adopt the lifestyle of the people being studied.

Question 9

What does triangulation involves ?

Answer 9

It involves using multiple methods and sources when conducting research to ensure greater perspective.

Question 10

What is collaborative research ?

Answer 10

It is an approach to learning about culture that involves the anthropologist working with members of the study population as partners and teammates rather than strictly as subjects.

Question 11

True or False
According to your text, the four subfields of anthropology are archaeology, physical anthropology, classical archaeology and anthropological linguistics.

Answer 11

False

1. Biological anthropology (or physical anthropology)
2. Archaeology (or prehistory)
3. Linguistic anthropology
4. Cultural anthropology (or social anthropology)

Question 12

True or False

Primatology is the study of primitive cultures and mores.

Answer 12

False

Primatologists study the social life and behaviour of non-human primates, like chimpanzees and gorillas

Question 13

True or False

Ethnology is another word for cultural anthropology.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

True or False
The use of anthropological data to offer practical solutions to contemporary problems within society is called applied anthropology.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

A testable proposition concerning the relationship between a particular set of variables is called:

Answer 15

Hypothesis

Question 16

The species to which we all belong is called:

Answer 16

Homo sapiens

Question 17

The greatest distinction of anthropology is that it is global and _____________ in its approach.

Answer 17

Comparative

Question 18

True or False

In the late 19th century, professional linguistics existed.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

The most important anthropological paradigm used in 19th century Europe was:

Answer 19

Evolutionary anthropology

Question 20

Boas’ thought that anthropology as a science should:

Answer 20

Describe all societies of the world before they disappeared