Final answer:
Applied anthropology is the practical application of anthropological methods and theories to solve real-world problems, involving collaboration with communities, influencing public policy, and advancing healthcare and research development.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Applied anthropology” refers to the application of the method and theory of anthropology to the analysis and solution of practical problems. This field involves the use of anthropological knowledge and methods to address contemporary issues and problems, often in collaborative efforts with affected communities. For instance, Indigenous peoples have partnered with anthropologists to carry out research on projects of particular significance to them, such as creating GIS products for land management, thereby intertwining traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods.
Applied anthropology extends to various sectors, including public policy, where anthropologists utilize their skills to shape principles and regulations that enhance public safety and address societal challenges. In medical anthropology, theory and practice converge to address healthcare issues, with anthropologists contributing to reducing ethnocentrism in medicine and influencing policy changes. Research and development represent another arena for applied anthropological work, where anthropologists contribute their insights into human behavior to improve products and services.