Question 1

What is the relationship between associations and theories?

Accepted Answer

Associations are observed relationships between variables, while theories are explanations for those relationships. Theories are typically more complex than simple associations, as they attempt to explain why certain associations exist and predict how they might change under different conditions.

Question 2

While anthropologists often use pseudonyms to protect their study populations, what problem might arise from this practice?

Accepted Answer

Using pseudonyms to protect study populations can make it difficult for anthropologists to conduct follow-up research, as the community may be hard to locate or identify. This can limit the long-term impact of the research and its potential to inform future studies.

Question 3

What earlier theoretical approach did Leslie White's neoevolution counter?

Accepted Answer

Leslie White's neoevolutionary theory countered historical particularism, which emphasized the uniqueness of each culture and rejected broad evolutionary stages.

Question 4

Discuss the pros and cons of anthropologists using pseudonyms and fake community names in their publications.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

What are anthropological theoretical orientations? Explain this term using your newly developed understanding of the scientific definitions of theories, hypotheses, and laws. Give specific examples to support your essay.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of theoretical orientations in anthropology. Does adherence to a particular theoretical orientation aid or hinder anthropological research? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

What method should be used to test a theory within one society?

Accepted Answer

Within-culture comparison can be used to test a theory within one society by comparing different groups or subcultures within the society. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of how the theory applies within different contexts and can provide insights into potential limitations or biases in the theory. Regional controlled comparison and cross-cultural research involve comparisons across different societies or cultures, which may not be relevant for testing a theory within one society. Historical research may provide context for the development of a theory, but may not be useful for directly testing its applicability within a current society.

Question 8

Choose either ecological anthropology or Boasian anthropology. Describe what sorts of questions an anthropologist following this theoretical perspective would be interested in if he or she were to study the social life of American university students.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Why is making an operational definition so important in anthropological research?

Accepted Answer

Making an operational definition is important in anthropological research because it provides a standardized way to measure variables and compare results across different studies. This helps to ensure that findings are reliable and can be replicated.

Question 10

What influence did Darwin's theory of evolution have on 19th-century anthropology?

Accepted Answer

Darwin's theory of evolution had a significant influence on 19th-century anthropology, particularly in the development of cultural evolutionism. The theory of cultural evolutionism suggested that cultures develop in a uniform manner, much like Darwin suggested species do. This idea was popular among early anthropologists, and they used it to explain the differences and similarities between different cultures.

Question 11

What can be concluded about a theory if its related hypothesis is supported after rigorous testing?

Accepted Answer

If a hypothesis related to a theory is supported after rigorous testing, it adds support to the theory but does not necessarily prove it. However, it does indicate that the theory is consistent with the available evidence, and can be accepted for the time being. Further testing and investigation may still be required to fully validate the theory, but the supported hypothesis is a positive indication that the theory is on the right track.

Question 12

When making sampling decisions in human research, what factor becomes very important?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the population to study is crucial because it determines the external validity of the research findings. The sample must be representative of the population under study to ensure that the results can be generalized to the target population. Factors such as demographic characteristics, geographic location, and socioeconomic status must be considered when selecting the population to study. The other options, such as who makes the sampling decision, file management, or convenience, may be important but are secondary to the representativeness of the sample.

Question 13

Richard Scaglion's study into the ceremonial yams used by the Abelam of New Guinea was influenced by similar studies in other populations. Which of these procedures was Scaglion using?

Accepted Answer

Scaglion was using comparative study, which involves comparing and contrasting practices or beliefs across different cultures or settings.

Question 14

How does the sampling universe vary based on the types of research in anthropology? Explain what a typical sampling universe would look like for within-culture comparisons, cross-cultural research, and historical research.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Why is it incorrect to explain a cultural feature by saying it is "traditional"?

Accepted Answer

Saying a cultural feature is "traditional" does not provide any meaningful explanation or insight into the feature itself, as it is simply restating that it is an established practice or belief. It does not consider the historical, social, or contextual factors that may have led to its formation or continuation. Therefore, it is an unsatisfactory answer because it is a tautology, or circular reasoning.

Quiz 4: Understanding and Explaining Culture