Anthropology Optional · Paper I · General Anthropology
Research Methods in Anthropology Notes · PYQs
Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Research Methods in Anthropology (Anthropology Optional Paper I, Unit 08), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Fieldwork tradition; technique, method and methodology; tools of data collection; analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.
2
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55
Questions listed
23
Asked since 2013
1981–2026
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Official UPSC syllabus
Research Methods in Anthropology: syllabus
The syllabus text as UPSC notifies it for Paper I of Anthropology Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to these lines. Full Paper I and Paper II syllabus.
8 Research methods in Anthropology:
(a) Fieldwork tradition in anthropology
(b) Distinction between technique, method and methodology
(c) Tools of data collection: observation, interview, schedules, questionnaire, case study, genealogy, life-history, oral history, secondary sources of information, participatory methods.
(d) Analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.
Paper I · Unit 08
Research Methods in Anthropology notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order, written for UPSC Mains with diagrams, key terms and the previous year questions of each topic. Read a topic, then practise its questions below.
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Previous year questions: Research Methods in Anthropology
All 55 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 1981 and 2026, grouped by syllabus sub-topic, newest first. Questions from 2013 onwards (the current pattern) are shown in full; earlier ones open on a tap.
How often UPSC asks each sub-topic
| Sub-topic | Questions | Since 2013 | Last asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research methods in anthropology | 55 | 23 | 2026 |
Research methods in anthropology
55 questions · 23 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Fieldwork Tradition in Anthropology · Tools of Data Collection
Fieldwork tradition in Anthropology · notes: Fieldwork Tradition in Anthropology
Asked since 2013 · 10
2026Write notes on: Ethics in anthropological fieldwork.2025Write notes on: Multispecies, Multi-sited and Critical Ethnography.2024Discuss the contemporary challenges in fieldwork method in anthropological research.2023Critically discuss the controversies related to fieldwork of Bronislaw Malinowski and Margaret Mead.2022Write the historical development of fieldwork tradition in anthropology till recent times.2020Write notes on the Experiential Ethnography in about 150 words.2017Elucidate the basic characteristics of anthropological fieldwork methods.2016Describe the evolution of fieldwork tradition in Anthropology.2015Explain the difference between emic and etic, and how does the difference derive from the study of language?2014Write a note in 150 words on Field work tradition in Anthropology.
Show 17 earlier questions (before 2013)
1981–2012 · 17 questions
2011Write a note in 150 words on Fieldwork tradition in Anthropology.2008Discuss the importance of field work in anthropology and describe various tools of data collection.2000Write a note on Etic and Ernie approach.1999Discuss the contribution of field work in the development of anthropological concept and theories.1998Trade the genesis and development -of field work in anthropological research. Assess its import-ance in the development of Anthropology.1996Examine the importance of observation as a fieldwork technique in Anthropology. Differentiate between participant and non-participant observation and analyze the problem of objectivity in participant observation.1994Discuss the nature and logic of anthropological field work methods. Do these differ from those of other social sciences ? Discuss.1993Discuss the nature and method of Anthropological Field work and explain its uniqueness.1991Discuss the nature and logic of anthropological field work methods.1989How does fieldworker strike a balance between theoretical requirements and real field situations ? Describe with suitable examples.1988Discuss the different fieldwork traditions in anthropological research.1987Write a note on Anthropological fieldwork.1986Explain the significant role of an informant in anthropological fieldwork.1985Write a note in 200 words on Field work traditions in Anthropology.1984Describe the nature of anthropological ‘ field work and evaluate its role in the formulation of anthropological theories.1983Fieldwork has served on develop theory in Anthropology. Discuss.1981Discuss the place and importance of fieldwork in anthropological method.
Distinction between technique, method and methodology · notes: Tools of Data Collection
1986–2012 · 4 questions
1993Write a note on Method and Methodology.1990Discuss the difference between the technique, method and methodology as employed in anthropological studies.1987Distinguish between technique, method and method mood methodology. Examine their role in anthropological studies.1986Trace the rise and development of empiricism in Anthropology.
Tools of data collection: observation, interview, schedules, questionnaire, Case study, genealogy, life-history, oral history, secondary sources of information, participatory methods · notes: Tools of Data Collection
Asked since 2013 · 11
2026Discuss the mixed method approach in anthropological research.2025Differentiate between pedigree and genealogical analyses. Discuss the history and application of these methods in anthropological studies.2024Discuss the applicability of various sampling techniques in selecting the study group.2022Write notes on: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Learning and Action (PLA).2021Discuss various tools of data collection in conducting anthropological research.2019Evaluate participant observation in producing anthropological knowledge.2019Discuss phenomenology as a research method in anthropological studies.2018How is case study method helpful in understanding a social phenomena? Explain with suitable example.2017Write a note in 150 words on Questionnaire.2014Write a note in 150 words on Genealogical Method.2013Discuss the relevance of Case Study method of data collection. (250 words).
Show 9 earlier questions (before 2013)
1989–2012 · 9 questions
2012What are the tools of data collection? Discuss the advantages and limitations of participants-observations as a technique of data collection.2009Write a note on ‘Schedule’ and Questionnaire’ in research methodology.2007Critically examine the contribution of Positivistic and Non-Positivistic approaches in Social Science Research.2006Critically examine the role of subjectivity in Anthropological Research.2005Write a note on Schedule and Questionnaire.2004Write a note on Participatory Rapid Assessment (PRA).1995What are questionnaire and schedule techniques of field study? Assess their relative usefulness in anthropological studies.1994Write a note on Genealogical method of field investigation.1989Write a note on Participant Observation in Anthropological Field Work.
Analysis, interpretation and presentation of data · notes: Tools of Data Collection
Asked since 2013 · 2
2023Describe various methods of qualitative data analysis. Highlight some popular computer softwares used in qualitative analysis.2020How have interpretation and presentation of data changed from classical to contemporary writings in anthropological texts?
Show 2 earlier questions (before 2013)
2006–2012 · 2 questions
2010What do you understand by the following terms? a. Systemic sampling b. Stratified sampling c. Multistage sampling….2006Write a note on Life-Table.
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Culture, Language and Communication
Nature, origin and characteristics of language; verbal and non-verbal communication; social context of language use.
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Human Genetics, Race and Ecological Anthropology
Methods of human genetics; Mendelian genetics; Hardy-Weinberg and polymorphism; chromosomal aberrations; race and racism; genetic markers; ecological and epidemiological anthropology.
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