Final answer:
Antiquarianism focuses on the material culture of the past, studying and interpreting artifacts and physical remains from ancient civilizations. Antiquarianism primarily focuses on the material culture of the past. This means that antiquarians are interested in studying and understanding artifacts, objects, and physical remnants from ancient or historical periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The objective on which antiquarianism focuses is material culture of the past. Antiquarianism is a field that emphasizes the study and interpretation of artifacts, buildings, and other physical remains from ancient civilizations. By examining these material objects, we can gain insights into the beliefs, practices, and daily life of the people who lived in the past. Antiquarianism primarily focuses on the material culture of the past. This means that antiquarians are interested in studying and understanding artifacts, objects, and physical remnants from ancient or historical periods. The emphasis is on collecting, preserving, and analyzing tangible items from the past, such as artifacts, manuscripts, artworks, and other material remains.
While historical explanation of the past (option b) is a broader objective in historical research, antiquarianism is often associated with a more specific interest in the physical objects and structures of bygone eras. Antiquarians may be more concerned with the identification, classification, and interpretation of historical artifacts rather than constructing comprehensive historical narratives or explanations. Options c (designing research to answer questions) and d (solving a puzzle) may be applicable to various fields of study, including history and archaeology, but they do not specifically capture the core focus of antiquarianism, which is centered around the material remnants of the past.