Final answer:
The Human Relations Area File (HRAF) is a comprehensive database of anthropological and cross-cultural data, utilized by researchers to study various aspects of human societies and behaviors. It contains ethnographic materials organized by cultures and employs a categorization system to streamline research. Initially on microfiche, HRAF now operates as an electronic database, facilitating comparative studies in social sciences.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is the Human Relations Area File (HRAF)?
The Human Relations Area File (HRAF) is a database of anthropological and cross-cultural information that enables researchers to study human behavior, cultural norms, and societies across different geographical locations and historical periods. Developed at Yale University, it began as a collection of microfiche documents and has since transitioned into an electronic database known as eHRAF. The database includes various types of documents such as books, articles, dissertations, and manuscripts, focusing on various aspects of social life like economic practices, social structures, law, religion, and human-environment interactions.
The HRAF is an important tool for anthropologists, sociologists, and other social scientists as it facilitates comparative studies and provides rich ethnographic material. The information within HRAF is organized by cultures and ethnic groups, and it employs a unique indexing system, called the Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM), to categorize its vast content into specific subjects, which makes searching for specific themes within or across cultures more efficient.