Research methodsLesson 5 of 6 in the course Methods: Cultural and Archaeological

Anthropological Research Methods: Data, Models, GPS, and Scientific Testing

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Anthropologists use different kinds of information to investigate cultural questions. This lesson introduces quantitative and qualitative data, explains what each can reveal, and shows why researchers often combine them.

Quantitative information is data that can be measured or counted. It is useful for answering specific questions about amounts, frequency, distribution, and change.

All flashcards

Quantitative information
Data that can be measured or counted to examine amounts, frequency, distribution, or change.
Qualitative information
Evidence interpreted for meaning and context, including language, behavior, ritual, and relationships.
Mixed-methods research
Research that integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine patterns and context.
Research model
A representation that helps people visualize, organize, or understand findings and relationships among data.
Testable hypothesis
A proposed explanation or expectation that can be evaluated using evidence.

Quiz questions

  1. In research, what is a model?Answer: A representation that organizes findings or relationships among data.
  2. On a GPS-based archaeological map, what does each information layer typically represent?Answer: One category of spatial information, such as water sources or trails.
  3. How can GPS coordinates help archaeologists investigate a site?Answer: They let researchers record feature locations precisely and return to them.
  4. How can mapping sensitive cultural sites support preservation?Answer: It can help agencies and tribal governments avoid damaging sites during construction.
  5. What makes a hypothesis suitable for scientific investigation?Answer: It proposes an explanation or expectation that evidence can test.

Based on Introduction to Anthropology by Jennifer Hasty, David G. Lewis, Marjorie M. Snipes (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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