Question 1

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?
A) comparative study
B) single-case analysis
C) metaphorical analysis
D) double-case study

Accepted Answer

Scaglion was using comparative study where he examined similar practices in other populations to better understand the significance of the yams used by the Abelam.

Question 2

What earlier theoretical approach did Leslie White's neoevolution counter?
A) historical particularism
B) diffusionism
C) cultural evolution
D) participant-observation

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

What influence did Darwin's theory of evolution have on 19th-century anthropology?
A) Early anthropologists believed that cultures develop in a uniform manner, as Darwin suggested species do.
B) It was assumed that only European societies were humans, and that other peoples constituted different species.
C) Their acceptance of Darwinian evolution placed early anthropologists in a position of conflict with the church.
D) Cultural anthropology was approached from the perspectives of biologists.

Accepted Answer

Darwin's theory of evolution influenced early anthropologists to apply the idea of gradual change and adaptation to the study of cultures, leading them to believe that cultures evolve in a uniform manner, as Darwin suggested species do. This idea was known as cultural evolution.

Question 4

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 5

Why is it incorrect to explain a cultural feature by saying it is "traditional"?
A) It is an unsatisfactory answer because it is a tautology.
B) It is incorrect because, by definition, traditions are not cultural features.
C) Cultural features are too variable to be considered traditional.
D) Tradition always precedes the adoption of cultural features.

Accepted Answer

Saying that something is "traditional" does not actually provide any explanation or insight into why a cultural feature exists or persists. It simply implies that it has been around for a long time or passed down through generations.

Question 6

When making sampling decisions in human research, what factor becomes very important?
A) choosing which population to study
B) who makes the sampling decision
C) how the files will be taken care of
D) how convenient the sampling population is

Accepted Answer

Choosing which population to study is crucial when making sampling decisions in human research as it determines the representativeness and generalizability of the findings. The selected population should ideally be a random or stratified sample of the desired target population to minimize bias and increase the validity of the study results. Factors such as convenience, accessibility, or personal preferences should not drive the sampling decision.

Question 7

What can be concluded about a theory if its related hypothesis is supported after rigorous testing?
A) The theory is consistent with the available evidence, and can be accepted for the time being.
B) The theory has been proved, and can now be accepted as a law.
C) Nothing much can be concluded from a single test, so the status of the theory does not change.
D) The theory is to be thrown out once a reliable hypothesis has been supported.

Accepted Answer

If a hypothesis related to a theory is supported after rigorous testing, it means that the theory is consistent with the available evidence, and can be accepted for the time being. However, it does not mean that the theory has been proved or elevated to the status of a law. It also does not mean that the theory should be thrown out if the hypothesis is not supported. Science is an ongoing process, and new evidence may emerge that could modify or challenge existing theories.

Question 8

Why is making an operational definition so important in anthropological research?
A) It provides a way to measure variables and to compare results across studies.
B) It is a required part of a research proposal.
C) Anthropologists tend to study phenomena that have not yet been defined in Western cultures.
D) Anthropologists must work collaboratively, and this allows others to take up the study in the future.

Accepted Answer

Making an operational definition is important in anthropological research because it provides a way to measure variables and to compare results across studies. Without a clear definition, researchers may be measuring different things, making it difficult to draw conclusions or compare findings.

Question 9

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 10

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 11

What method should be used to test a theory within one society?
A) within-culture comparison
B) regional controlled comparison
C) cross-cultural research
D) historical research

Accepted Answer

Within-culture comparison involves examining different groups or subcultures within a single society or culture. This method allows researchers to test their theories within the same cultural context, while still accounting for internal variation within the society. It can provide valuable insights into the ways in which cultural factors may influence behavior or attitudes among different groups.

Question 12

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 13

What is the relationship between associations and theories?
A) Theories are more complicated explanations for observed associations.
B) Associations are required before theories can be made.
C) Theories are required before associations can be made.
D) Associations are more complicated explanations for observed 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 14

While anthropologists often use pseudonyms to protect their study populations, what problem might arise from this practice?
A) It is difficult to conduct follow-up research if the community has been disguised.
B) Using a fake name for the community reduces the credibility of the study's findings.
C) Most anthropologists find the practice disrespectful to study populations.
D) It is unethical to conceal the locations of illegal or otherwise improper behaviors.

Accepted Answer

By using pseudonyms to disguise the study population, it can make it difficult for anthropologists to conduct follow-up research or collaborate with other researchers who may want to conduct research in the same community. This can limit the ability to gain a deeper understanding of the community and its cultural practices.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 3: Understanding and Explaining Culture

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

What is the relationship between associations and theories?

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

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