The Scope of Anthropology

Four-Field Approach

A comprehensive method in anthropology that includes Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Biological Anthropology.

Cultural Anthropology

The study of living human cultures and their practices.

Ethnography

The recording and analysis of a culture, often through immersive fieldwork.

Fieldwork

The process of collecting information about a culture through direct engagement and observation.

Participant Observation

A key method in anthropology where researchers live among and engage with a culture to gather information.

Interviewing

A method of collecting data through one-on-one meetings and asking questions.

Focus Groups

A method of interviewing multiple people at once to gather diverse perspectives.

Genealogies

The study of family and kinship practices within a culture.

Life Histories

An in-depth examination of an individual's life experiences within a cultural context.

Archaeology

The study of past cultures through their material remains and artifacts.

Excavation

The process of digging below the earth's surface to uncover artifacts and understand past cultures.

Fossils and Artifacts

Physical remains that provide tangible evidence of past human behavior and cultures.

Prehistoric Archaeology

The study of human behavior before written records existed.

Historic Archaeology

The exploration of more recent past cultures using both oral and written records alongside physical remains.

Linguistic Anthropology

The study of human language and its impact on culture and communication.

Code-Switching

The practice of changing language or speech style based on the social context or environment.

Historical Linguists

Specialists who study how languages evolve over time and across cultures.

Sociolinguists

Researchers who examine how language variation relates to social factors like gender, race, and class.

Descriptive Linguists

Linguists focused on recording and preserving languages in a globalized world.

Biological Anthropology

The study of human origins, biological diversity, and the evolution of Homo sapiens.

Primatology

The study of living nonhuman primates to understand human biology and social life.

Paleoanthropology

The study of human evolution through the fossil record.

Forensic Anthropology

The application of anthropology to identify victims and determine causes of death in legal contexts.

Applied Anthropology

The use of anthropological findings to address practical problems in various sectors like health and education.

Medical Anthropology

The study of health, nutrition, and cultural beliefs affecting health practices.

Development Anthropology

The application of anthropological insights to adapt projects to community needs.

Educational Anthropology

The examination of learning and teaching issues within cultural contexts.

Corporate Anthropology

Advising businesses on intercultural communication to enhance understanding in global settings.