anthro v. sociology instructions

Objective 111.6.3-17: Compare and contrast the investigational techniques utilized by sociologists and anthropologists.

Objective 111.6.3-18: Identify the philosophical justifications for the investigational techniques utilized in sociology and anthropology.

Given:

As with many of the social sciences, sociology and cultural anthropology rely upon specified investigational and research techniques. While many of these investigational approaches have similar characteristics and qualities in regard to generally accepted research methods, they also differ according to intent, purpose, and methodology. These differences are often philosophical in nature and are reflective of the inherent differences between the disciplines of sociology and cultural anthropology. As with all areas of inquiry, sociology and anthropology have methods of research that are based on approaches to inquiry and discovery with philosophical roots. Such philosophical roots determine the degree to which a researcher will interact with participants and make inferences or conclusions about certain observable phenomena.

Task:

Write a brief essay (suggested length of 2–4 pages) in which you do the following:

A. Describe two research methods used in sociology.

1. Discuss the philosophical justifications for one of these sociological research methods.

B. Describe two research methods used in cultural anthropology. (At least one of the research methods chosen must differ from those that you have identified for the discipline of sociology.)

1. Discuss the philosophical justifications for one of these anthropological research methods. (The philosophical justification must differ from what you have identified for methods in sociology.)

C. Compare and contrast sociological and anthropological approaches to research based on the methods you have described.

D. When you use sources, include all in-text citations and references in APA format.

Note: When bulleted points are present in the task prompt, the level of detail or support called for in the rubric refers to those bulleted points.

Note: For definitions of terms commonly used in the rubric, see the Rubric Terms web link included in the Evaluation Procedures section.

Note: When using sources to support ideas and elements in a paper or project, the submission MUST include APA formatted in-text citations with a corresponding reference list for any direct quotes or paraphrasing. It is not necessary to list sources that were consulted if they have not been quoted or paraphrased in the text of the paper or project.

Note: No more than a combined total of 30% of a submission can be directly quoted or closely paraphrased from sources, even if cited correctly. For tips on using APA style, please refer to the APA Handout web link included in the General Instructions section.