Final answer:
Culture is not determined by biological factors or race, but by historical and environmental factors. Ethnographic research is crucial for reconstructing past societies. Franz Boas emphasized cultural relativism and the uniqueness of each culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture is not determined by biological factors or race, as Franz Boas argued against the racist theories of his time. According to Boas, cultures are the result of historical and environmental factors. To understand history and reconstruct past societies, it is important to rely on direct ethnographic research, rather than using secondary sources. Boas emphasized the importance of cultural relativism and the understanding that each culture has its own unique trajectory and is constantly evolving.