Research Methods in Anthropology: Anthropology Optional PYQs

8. Research methods in Anthropology;

Fieldwork tradition in Anthropology 

1. Discuss the place and importance of fieldwork in anthropological method. (1981)
2. Fieldwork has served on develop theory  in Anthropology. Discuss. (1983)
3. Describe the nature of anthropological ‘ field work and evaluate its role in the formulation of anthropological theories.(1984)
4. Write a note in 200 words on Field work traditions in Anthropology. (1985)
5. Explain the significant role of an informant in anthropological fieldwork. (1986)
6. Write a note on Anthropological fieldwork. (1987)
7. Discuss the different fieldwork traditions in anthropological research. (1988)
8. How does fieldworker strike a balance between theoretical requirements and real field situations ? Describe with suitable examples. (1989) 
9. Discuss the nature and logic of anthropological field work methods.(1991) 
10. Discuss the nature and method of Anthropological Field work and explain its uniqueness. (1993)
11. Discuss the nature and logic of anthropological field work methods. Do these differ from those of other social sciences ? Discuss. (1994)
12. Examine 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. (1996)
13. Trade the genesis and development -of field work in anthropological research. Assess its import-ance in the development of Anthropology. (1998)
14. Discuss the contribution of field work in the development of anthropological concept and theories. (1999)
15. Write a note on Etic and Ernie approach (2000) 
16. Discuss the importance of field work in anthropology and describe various tools of data collection. (2008)
17. Write a note in 150 words on Fieldwork tradition in Anthropology. (2011)
18. Write a note in 150 words on Field work tradition in Anthropology. (2014)
19. Explain the difference between emic and etic, and how does the difference derive from the study of language? (2015)
20. Describe the evolution of fieldwork tradition in Anthropology. (2016)
21. Elucidate the basic characteristics of anthropological fieldwork methods. (2017)
22. Write notes on the Experiential Ethnography in about 150 words. (2020)
23. Write the historical development of fieldwork tradition in anthropology till recent times. (2022)
24. Critically discuss the controversies related to fieldwork of Bronislaw Malinowski and Margaret Mead. (2023)
25. Discuss the contemporary challenges in fieldwork method in anthropological research. (2024)
26. Write notes on: Multispecies, Multi-sited and Critical Ethnography. (2025)

Research methods in Anthropology: Distinction between technique, method and methodology

1. Trace the rise and development of empiricism in Anthropology. (1986)
2. Distinguish between technique, method and method mood methodology. Examine their role in anthropological studies. (1987)
3. Discuss the difference between the technique, method and methodology as employed in anthropological studies. (1990)
4. Write a note on Method and Methodology (1993)

Research methods in Anthropology: Tools of data collection: observation, interview, schedules, questionnaire, Case study, genealogy, life-history, oral history, secondary sources of information, participatory methods.

1. Write a note on Participant Observation in Anthropological Field Work. (1989)
2. Write a note on Genealogical method of field investigation (1994)
3. What are questionnaire and schedule techniques of field study? Assess their relative usefulness in anthropological studies. (1995)
4. Write a note on Participatory Rapid Assessment (PRA) (2004) 
5. Write a note on Schedule and Questionnaire (2005) 
6. Critically examine the role of subjectivity in Anthropological Research. (2006)
7. Critically examine the contribution of Positivistic and Non-Positivistic approaches in Social Science Research. (2007) 
8. Write a note on ‘Schedule’ and Questionnaire’ in research methodology. (2009) 
9. What are the tools of data collection? Discuss the advantages and limitations of participants-observations as a technique of data collection. (2012)
10. Discuss the relevance of Case Study method of data collection. (250 words) (2013)
11. Write a note in 150 words on Questionnaire. (2017)
12. Write a note in 150 words on Genealogical Method (2014) 
13. How is case study method helpful in understanding a social phenomena? Explain with suitable example. (2018
14. Evaluate participant observation in producing anthropological knowledge. (2019)
15. Discuss phenomenology as a research method in anthropological studies. (2019) 
16. Discuss various tools of data collection in conducting anthropological research. (2021)
17. Write notes on: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Learning and Action (PLA). (2022)
18. Discuss the applicability of various sampling techniques in selecting the study group. (2024)
19. Differentiate between pedigree and genealogical analyses. Discuss the history and application of these methods in anthropological studies. (2025)

Research methods in Anthropology: Analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.

1. Write a note on Life-Table (2006)
2. What do you understand by the following terms?
   • a. Systemic sampling
   • b. Stratified sampling
   • c. Multistage sampling…(2010)
3. How have interpretation and presentation of data changed from classical to contemporary writings in anthropological texts? (2020)
4. Describe various methods of qualitative data analysis. Highlight some popular computer software used in qualitative analysis. (2023)