Final answer:
Archaeological anthropology fieldwork primarily involves excavation, participant observation, long-term research projects, and adherence to institutional review board practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major components of fieldwork in archaeological anthropology include excavation, where artifacts and fossils are unearthed to understand past human lives, and participant observation, which is a research method used by cultural anthropologists that involves living within societies and adopting their practices to gain insights. Another aspect is long-term research projects where anthropologists spend extended periods to study and gather information on cultural practices, social change, and the evolution of artifacts within a society. Additionally, there's a need for compliance with institutional review board practices before starting research to ensure ethical standards are met.