Final answer:
Anthropologists can select a research problem either before or after they go into the field, depending on their approach and goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
In anthropology, the selection of a research problem can happen both before or after an anthropologist goes into the field. It depends on the specific approach and goals of the research project. In some cases, anthropologists might have a research question in mind before going into the field, which helps shape their study design and methodology.
For example, if an anthropologist is interested in studying the impact of globalization on indigenous cultures, they may develop a research question like 'How has globalization affected traditional cultural practices?' before entering the field. This research question guides their data collection and analysis.
On the other hand, some anthropologists prefer to immerse themselves in the field and conduct participant observation before identifying a specific research problem. This approach allows them to gain an in-depth understanding of the culture they are studying before formulating research questions.