Question

In the "Doing Anthropology" video you watched this week, one researcher spends time making cheese. This is an example of a key component of an Ethnographic Method called:

A) Participant observation
B) Archival research
C) Surveys and questionnaires
D) Experiments

Answer 1

The correct answer is A) Participant observation. This method involves researchers actively engaging in the community's daily practices, providing an insider's perspective and facilitating a comprehensive understanding of cultural practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the "Doing Anthropology" video where a researcher spends time making cheese, this activity is an example of a key component of an Ethnographic Method called Participant Observation. Participant observation is a qualitative research method commonly used in cultural anthropology. It involves researchers immersing themselves in the daily lives of the people they are studying, participating in their cultural practices, and making systematic observations. By engaging in the activities of a host culture, anthropologists gain a deep understanding of a culture's practices and experiences.

Through participant observation, the anthropologist may complete tasks alongside local community members, observe interactions and behaviors, and keep detailed records of these experiences. This method allows the researcher to explore an environment from the inside and understand the knowledge and processes that people use to live their lives.