LEARNING OUTCOME #2
be able to recognise, locate and summarise examples of research in anthropology
Primates as Models
Anthropologists study nonhuman primate behaviour to understand the context in which we evolved. Primates are beneficial models to anthropologist research by providing them with insight of how early humans lived, understanding the advantages of certain kinds of behaviours exhibited by both primates and humans, as well as looking into the various ways our closest relatives solved problems.
Principle Interests in Primatology Include ...
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Communication (vocalisation, gestures, displays, expressions)
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Social structure (how groups are formed, how dominance is achieved and maintained)
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Aggressive & Affiliative Behaviour (conflict, grooming)
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Subsistence & diet
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Tool use
Lecture 2. pg. 42 - Biological Anthropology
Paleopathology
Paleopathology is the study of disease in ancient populations through examination of human remains, such as bone, teeth, and mummified tissues. The main objective of this research is to explain how bones responds to disease. Studying paleo pathology is important because is explains how, when and why diseases originated and evolved, how humans are biologically affected by this change, as well as how human cultural systems adapt to the biological disorders. Some limitations to paleopathology is that not all disease affects bone, if the disease happened acutely there would have not been enough time for it to express itself, and someone with pathology could represent a healthier individual than someone without that particular pathology.
Lecture 3. pg. 79 Biological Anthropology
Understanding the Use of Fire
The ability to control fire is one of the most important achievements in the development of human culture and a popular area of research for archaeologists who are trying to get an understanding of the cultural change amongst humans. Archaeological evidence suggests that fire has been common for at least tens of thousands of years and maybe even two million years. The ability to control fire was significant because it enabled protection from predators, warmth, light, advanced cooking, movement into colder habitats, and a sense of control over their environment. The Upper Palaeolithic period is the suspected period people began to start fires and this was achieved through rubbing sticks together or hitting certain types of rocks together. Unfortunately the archaeological visibility of these items is low due to poor preservation.
Other Areas of Archaeological Research To Understand Human Culture Include ...
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Subsistence and Diet
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Social Systems
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Evolution of Technology
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Art and Ideology
Lecture 6. pg.105-117 - Archaeology
Ethnographic Research
Ethnographic research is the main way in which one may study the culture of their own or other groups. The main goal of this type of research is too over come ethnocentrism, which is the idea that other cultures besides our own are wrong or strange. This allows others to feel superior to others, and unfortunately a degree of ethnocentrism is instilled in children from a young age. One of the ways in which this is study is through the consumption off different types of food. For example, in Peruvian culture they eat roasted guinea pig, and the Efe people of the Ituri Forest eat grubs. It also can be studied through the items consumed, such as brand named food or no name food, which is often cheaper and more affordable for most families. Anthropologists studying culture reject an ethnocentric mindset in order to understand people in the most objective way possible, and often use a model called cultural relativism. This is the notion that all cultures are equally valid, and allows anthropologists to study beliefs and behaviours without judgement.
Lecture 4. pg.174-186 - Cultural Anthropology
