AN101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Centrality, Postcolonialism, European Colonialism
Document Summary
An101 chapter 2: fieldwork: a meeting of cultural traditions. Fieldwork: extended period of close involvement with the people in whose way of life anthropologists are interested, during which anthropologists ordinarily collect most of their data. Researchers consult published literature and archives relevant to research before and after entering field. Conduct structured interviews, sometimes using questionnaires and psychological tests: never rely solely on these b/c info produced can"t be contextualized and may be highly misleading. Participant observation: anthropologists gather information by living and working with the people whose culture they"re studying while participating in their lives as much as possible. Sometimes begins in undergrad or early grad studies students work on research projects or in field schools run by established anthropologists. Extended period of fieldwork is final phase of formal anthropological training many incorporate additional periods of field research into subsequent careers. Must find out where to live well in advance, or bring materials to create adequate living quarters.
