Topic 2 - ANTH111

Theory

A general statement that suggests a relationship among phenomena.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon.

Induction

A research approach that starts with observations, finds patterns, and develops a theory.

Deduction

A research approach that starts with a theory, creates a hypothesis, and collects data to test it.

Inductive Approach

A research method that proceeds without a hypothesis, gathering unstructured data through observation and conversation to identify patterns and generate a theory.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive, non-statistical data collected through interviews, field notes, life histories, and participant observations.

Deductive Approach

A research method that starts with a hypothesis, collects relevant data, and analyzes the findings.

Quantitative Data

Numeric, statistical data used to measure and compare aspects of a community.

Unilineal Cultural Evolution

The idea that all societies progress through the same developmental stages from savagery → barbarism → civilization.

Structural Functionalism

The theory that social institutions work together to fulfill the biological and social needs of individuals.

Symbolic Anthropology

A theoretical approach that studies how symbols influence social behavior and rituals.

French Structuralism

A theory that suggests human culture is structured through binary oppositions (e.g., hot/cold, male/female).

Cultural Ecology

The study of how environmental conditions and technology shape culture.

Feminist Anthropology

An approach that emphasizes the role of women in societies and examines how gender shapes cultural practices.

Reflexivity

A critical self-examination of how the anthropologist’s own identity, biases, and presence affect their research.

Ethnographic Framework

A research strategy where anthropologists immerse themselves in a culture to collect data.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

A research method where community members help guide research topics and methods.

Informed Consent

An ethical principle where participants fully understand and agree to be studied.

Anonymity

Ensuring that participants’ identities are protected in research findings.

Do No Harm

An ethical rule stating that anthropologists must avoid causing harm to the communities they study.

Cultural relativism

The principle of understanding cultures on their own terms without judgment.

Ethnography

The systematic study of people and cultures through immersion observation.

Fieldwork

The primary method of research in anthropology, involving community engagement.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.