Anthropology is known as a holistic science, incorporating the knowledge and skills of fields as diverse as language arts, biology, chemistry, history, economics, visual and performing arts, statistics, psychology, epidemiology, and more. As the "most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences," anthropology offers an eclectic toolbox of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Anthropologists are trained to combine insightful powers of observation, compelling forms of expression, and scientific verification of their theories to illuminate complex relationships between culture and nature.
We properly challenge one another's explanations for why Hindus don't eat their cattle and why, in some cultures, mothers are more likely than fathers are to abuse their children. That's how knowledge grows. Whatever our theories, though, all of us need data on which to test those theories. The methods for collecting and analyzing data belong to all of us.
- H. Russell Bernard, Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
In support of the many and varied methods employed by anthropologists of all stripes, AAA provides links to articles or videos of research methods commonly used by anthropologists. We welcome further suggestions of content or links to include in these pages. Send all comments and recommended content to Daniel Ginsberg.
Please be advised the AAA is not responsible for either these websites or the information they provide but merely supplies the information as a service to the anthropological community.
This link from the Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) offers a useful breakdown of the fields in which anthropologists are often employed, as well as the skill sets required for each career.
