ANTH 103 Unit 1 Study Guide

created 01.29.2025

What is the holistic perspective in anthropology?

It is the study of humans by focusing on the interrelationships among biological and cultural aspects, considering the whole human condition.

What are the four sub-disciplines of anthropology?

Biological anthropology, archaeology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.

Define ethnography.

the detailed description of the way of life of a particular cultural group.

What is the difference between emic and etic perspectives?

Emic perspective focuses on native explanations and criteria of significance while etic perspective uses an outsider's view to study a culture.

What does cultural relativism mean?

the practice of viewing each aspect of a culture in its own context without bias.

Who is Franz Boas?

Franz Boas is known as the 'Father of American Anthropology' and was a major advocate for cultural relativism.

What are the mechanisms of cultural change?

Diffusion, acculturation, and independent invention.

What is the scientific method?

A systematic way of learning that uses induction and deduction to form hypotheses and theories.

Define linguistic relativity.

The idea that the structure of a language may shape the perceptions and worldview of its speakers.

What are the essential characteristics of human language?

Discreteness, productivity, arbitrariness, displacement, and multimedia potential.

What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

It posits that language significantly influences thought and perception.

What is ethnology?

The comparative study of cultural patterns shared by all humanity.

What is the enculturation process?

The process of learning about one's own culture through sharing and instruction.

What does ethnocentrism mean?

The act of evaluating other cultures through the lens of one's own culture, often leading to the belief that one's culture is superior.

What are cultural universals?

Elements of culture that are found in all human societies.

Name two areas of study within descriptive linguistics.

Phonology and morphology.

Describe participant observation in cultural anthropology.

A research method where the anthropologist actively participates in and observes the daily life of the study subjects.

List some characteristics of human culture.

Shared, learned, dynamic, adaptive, and variable.

What is the relationship between language and culture?

Language can both reflect and shape culture, influencing the way speakers perceive and interact with the world.

What is the key distinction between induction and deduction in the scientific method?

Induction moves from specifics to generalities, while deduction moves from generalities to specifics.

Define cultural anthropology.

The sub-discipline of anthropology that studies the way of life of contemporary and historically recent human societies and cultures.

What is ethnology?

The comparative study of cultural patterns shared by all humanity.

What is globalization in anthropology?

the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of cultures and economies worldwide.

What is empirical learning?

gaining knowledge through direct observation or experience rather than through traditional academic instruction.

What is scholastic learning?

knowledge gained through formal education and academic teachings.

What is the holistic perspective in anthropology?

It is the study of humans by focusing on the interrelationships among biological and cultural aspects, considering the whole human condition.

Describe participant observation in cultural anthropology.

A research method where the anthropologist actively participates in and observes the daily life of the study subjects.

What are emic perspectives?

focus on native explanations and criteria of significance within a culture.

What is indirect diffusion?

occurs when cultural elements spread to one group through another group, rather than directly.

To which biological group do humans belong?

Humans belong to the primate family.

What does the concept of arbitrary symbols in language mean?

It means that almost all words are made up of symbols that do not have inherent meanings but are agreed upon by speakers.

What is induction in the scientific method?

making a hypothesis based on specific observations or data, moving from specifics to general principles.

phonemes

conceptualization of a speech sound (the idea of the ee sound)

morpheme

minimal units of meaning and how they attach to sound

semantics

the study of how meaning is embedded in language

phonology

 the study of a sound system

syntax

 the study of phrases and sentences

productivity

A finite number of words may be combined to form infinite sentences.

Discreteness

Using language involves combining minimal units (like sounds and words) according to sets of language-specific rules.