Anthropology

What is anthropology?

The study of humans around the world over time, focusing on biology and cultures.

What is cultural anthropology?

The study of past and present cultures and how behaviors are learned.

What is political and legal anthropology?

The study of issues like nationalism, citizenship, colonialism, and globalism.

What is humanistic anthropology?

Examines personal, ethical, and political choices humans face.

What is visual anthropology?

The study of how art and media influence humans.

What is linguistic anthropology?

The study of language and its relation to culture over time.

What do historical linguists study?

How languages relate and evolve.

What is archaeology?

The study of past human cultures through artifacts and features.

What is forensic anthropology?

The study of skeletonized human remains to understand past cultures or crimes.

What is physical anthropology?

The study of human biological changes over time and similarities with other mammals.

What is human variation?

The psychological differences between humans today.

What is primatology?

The study of apes to understand human species.

What is social anthropology?

The study of how societies differ and interact socially.

Who was Charles Darwin?

An English naturalist (1809-1882) who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Who was Jane Goodall?

A primatologist known for researching chimpanzees and their similarities to humans.

What is informed consent in anthropology?

Subjects must be informed about the purpose, information usage, and confidentiality level.

What is participant observation?

When a researcher lives among subjects to gather information without judgment.

Who was Bettylou Valentine?

An anthropologist who lived in rat- and roach-infested buildings for research.

What is reflexivity in anthropology?

Researchers reflecting on their own biases and asking participants for feedback on their research.

What is qualitative research?

Open-ended, descriptive research using interviews and natural observation.

What is quantitative research?

Numerical research using surveys and lab-based observation.

What are unstructured interviews?

Interviews without prepared questions, allowing for new research directions.

What is a pro of unstructured interviews?

Allows researchers to explore new ideas.

What is a con of unstructured interviews?

Time-consuming as subjects may go off track.

What are structured interviews?

Interviews with fixed questions that do not change.

What is a pro of structured interviews?

Anyone can conduct them without needing a prior relationship with interviewees.

What is a con of structured interviews?

Questions cannot adapt to new situations.

What happened to Kitty Genovese?

She was attacked and killed on March 13, 1964, outside her apartment.

What is the bystander effect?

The idea that people are less likely to help in an emergency when others are present.

What were the issues with the original New York Times article on the case?

It exaggerated witness inaction, claiming 38 people watched without intervening.

What details were often ignored in the case?

Kitty Genovese was a lesbian, worked at a gay restaurant, and 911 didn't exist at the time.

What is globalization?

The interaction and integration of nations through trade, technology, and culture.

How does the physical environment influence culture?

Natural disasters disrupt societies, economies, and traditions.

How do pandemics affect societies?

They spread rapidly and impact global health and social structures.

What is social learning?

Learning social behaviors by imitating others.

What is cultural identity?

Understanding and connecting with one’s cultural group over time.

How does technology influence culture?

It changes lifestyle, communication, and development.

How do culture and language shape human behavior?

They influence identity, beliefs, and social interaction.

What is structural functionalism?

The idea that cultures function to maintain stability and meet societal needs.

What is cultural materialism?

The belief that material conditions shape culture, including technology and economy.

What is feminist anthropology?

The study of gender roles, power dynamics, and women’s contributions.

What is postmodern anthropology?

A perspective that questions objectivity and emphasizes multiple viewpoints.

What was Charles Darwin’s theory?

The theory of natural selection—species evolve over time based on survival advantages.

What was Gregor Mendel’s theory?

The theory of genetic inheritance—traits are passed through DNA.

What did Raymond Dart discover?

A 2-million-year-old skull proving early humans walked upright.

Why do some argue that great apes deserve rights?

They exhibit self-awareness, emotions, and advanced cognitive abilities.

What country granted great apes legal personhood?

Spain.

What is a potential consequence of granting apes rights?

It could impact animal captivity, research, and welfare laws.

What is cultural relativism?

The belief that cultures should be understood without comparison or judgment.

What is ethnocentrism?

The belief that one’s own culture is superior.

What is code-switching?

Switching between languages or language styles based on social context.

What is non-verbal communication?

Communication through facial expressions, body language, and appearance.

How does technology shape culture?

It spreads innovations between cultures (e.g., air conditioning adoption).

How does language shape culture?

It allows communication, survival, and adaptation.

What are the three stages of a rite of passage?

Segregation, transition, and incorporation.

What is formal justice?

Legal systems enforcing laws (e.g., courts).

What is informal justice?

Community-based justice like Indigenous sentencing circles.

What are placemakers?

People who create meaningful social spaces online and offline.