Secondary sources refer to materials that interpret, evaluate, or analyze data or information from primary sources. They offer a second-hand perspective on a subject or event and are often derived from primary source data.
The concepts of Emic and Etic are fundamental in the field of anthropology, social science, and psychology. These terms help researchers in understanding, interpreting, and describing cultures or groups. Essentially, they define two types of viewpoints: an insider's perspective (Emic) and an outsider's perspective (Etic).
Research design is an essential part of any scientific endeavor. It's a blueprint for empirical investigation, outlining the processes for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. The quality of the research design significantly impacts the results of the study, affecting both its validity and reliability.
Participant observation is a principal research method in anthropology where anthropologists immerse themselves in the daily lives of people they study. By taking part in the community's life, they observe and record data about social phenomena, providing a deep and holistic understanding of a given culture or society.
Incorporating liberal research in anthropology has amplified the scope and impact of anthropological studies. By acknowledging the pluralities and complexities of human societies, this intersection gives birth to a more compassionate, inclusive, and democratic way of understanding and engaging with our world.
Post excavation analysis, also known as post-fieldwork analysis or lab analysis, refers to the evaluation, interpretation, and recording of archaeological materials and data once the fieldwork has ended. It transforms the raw data collected during excavation into a meaningful narrative of the past.
The combination of primary and secondary data can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the research subject. It can allow researchers to validate findings, generate new insights, and provide a richer contextual background.
Field notes play a vital role in anthropological research, as they represent the primary data collected during fieldwork. The art of taking field notes is complex and requires a thoughtful approach.
Science and scientific methods have indeed become the cornerstone of human understanding and progress. From unveiling the mysteries of the universe to solving practical problems on Earth, the systematic approach of the scientific method remains central to our exploration and learning.
Scientific research in anthropology has become an integral part of understanding human culture and its evolution. Employing a blend of both qualitative and quantitative methods, anthropological research bridges the gaps between human social structures, behaviors, and biology.
Geertz (1973) defined Thick Description as a detailed account of field experiences in which the anthropologist makes explicit the patterns of cultural and social relationships and puts them in context. It is a methodology that explicates not just behaviors, but their context as well, so that they become meaningful to an outsider.
Naturalism implies the application of empirical observation, experimentation, and the scientific method to the understanding of human beings. It aims to generate a 'natural' account of human society, grounded in the physical and biological world.
