Research Methods & Design

An introduction to qualitative research methods in anthropology. The course examines the ways anthropologists collect data through participant observation, non-directive interviewing, questionnaires, examining case studies, and doing symbolic and behavioral analyses. We examine the strengths and weaknesses of these methods and compare them to methods of other social sciences to illuminate the anthropological approach to understanding society and culture. Students learn how to formulate research questions and a research project, apply the best methods to a particular research design, and write a proposal.