Final answer:
Franz Boas is considered the father of American anthropology for his foundational contribution to field research methods and for challenging ethnocentric and racist theories of his time. His holistic approach to anthropology and groundbreaking studies, such as the immigrant skull size research, debunked racial biases and influenced the evolution of the discipline.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, Franz Boas is considered the father of American anthropology. His influence on the field is significant due to his advocacy for rigorous field research, a practice which laid the groundwork for modern anthropological methodologies. Boas, originally trained in physics, shifted his focus to anthropology following his experiences living with the Inuit peoples. His work at Columbia University and the American Museum of Natural History, where he was a professor and curator respectively, contributed greatly to the development of the discipline.
Boas challenged racist and ethnocentric theories that were prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries by emphasizing cultural relativity and historical particularism. In his landmark study of immigrant skull sizes, he debunked racial bias, demonstrating that environment could influence physical characteristics, thus disputing the then-popular belief in the biological determinism of intelligence. His holistic approach recognized the importance of understanding cultures in terms of their own unique historical contexts rather than as static entities or in terms of Western-centric notions of progress.
By insisting on obtaining ethnographic information directly from the source and rejecting theories that considered some cultures as 'primitive', Boas revolutionized the way in which anthropological research was conducted. His legacy continues to shape the field, and his title as the father of American anthropology is a testament to his transformative impact on the study of human societies.