Sociology versus Cultural Anthropology
Introduction
Sociology and anthropology rely only upon specified techniques for their investigations and research. Although these approaches are somewhat similar in characteristics as well as qualities, there are also a few differences which are noted. The main reason as to why these differences are present is because of the philosophy used. As a result, the conclusion of a particular research method depends mainly upon the availability of philosophical roots in the research.
Two Research Methods Used in Sociology
Sociological research methods have a close relationship with positivism and interpretivism. Positivism generally means “scientific”. Positivist methodologies usually argue that it is possible and very desirable to study all forms of social behavior in ways which are similar to those used previously by natural scientists in their study of the natural world (Kipo, 2013). Interpretivism, on the other hand, is based upon the belief that social interaction is mainly influenced by consciousness, action and unpredictability. Consciousness in this case refers to the fact that an individual is aware of the personal self and also the relationship to other people. In action, it is implied that people are influenced to make deliberate choices about how to act or behave in different situations. Unpredictability refers to the idea that, at times, behavior is unpredictable and hence cannot be studied in a similar way as Positivism.
Archival research or secondary analysis is a research methodology which features the use of already available data, which has been prepared by another individual (Kipo, 2013). This source of data may be the previous government records, anthropological ethnographies, old photographs, books and also journals. In this form of research, the researcher does not need to collect any data; instead the already available information is what is used despite the age. By analyzing specific books, the researcher may identify a certain trend which may be important for predicting the future. This method, however, may be consuming much time for the researcher as it will take time to read and understand the data of each and every source. At times, the researcher may fail to interpret the data correctly. The data may also be unsuitable for the study which is currently being performed, and hence the results will be flawed (Kipo, 2013).
A survey is also another common method used in Sociology. It features the direct analysis of data collected. Usually surveys and interviews may go hand in hand. However, each one of them may be used separately. Surveys are more preferred as they give results with a broader scope with regard to sample size (I-Fen & Nora Cate, 1995). With the availability of improved technology, carrying out surveys has proved to be easier and less time consuming since the surveys may be distributed through the internet to many people. A setback associated with this method, however, is that an interviewer is forced to struggle with forming applicable questions, as well as ensuring that they get applicable answers.
Philosophical Justification for Using Surveys
The Philosophical Justification for using surveys when conducting sociological research is that it is the best method for gathering large quantities of data and information within a very short time (I-Fen & Nora Cate, 1995). It is also a method which can allow the subjects being interviewed to remain anonymous and hence this helps to eliminate bias when it comes to the interpretation of the collected data. As long as the researcher takes proper care during all stages of this form of research, surveys can indeed be a very good option for statistical studies or rather the studies which require a large pool of subjects (I-Fen & Nora Cate, 1995).
Two Research Methods Used in Cultural Anthropology
Historical analysis or secondary analysis may also be used by cultural anthropologists. This research method normally involves the analysis of historical data or information which has been previously gathered, all in an effort to try and give meaning to culture (Currie, 2013). The data may be compared to the previous ones so as to identify a specific partner or a difference which may be important to the study being carried out. The secondary sources used may be obtained from government records, previous photographs and videos, voice recordings and many others. The information gathered from these sources will then be collected before they are combined into a comprehensive cultural picture.
Ethnology is yet another method used by cultural anthropologists to create ethnography. This research method involves the researcher immersing themselves into the specific culture which they are studying (Currie, 2013). Thereafter, they observe the situation and activities being used by people. They go through the photographic records and video records. They also use interviews and record the voices so as to have recorded information while they continue learning about the specified culture. In this research method, the researcher gets information through first-hand experience since they witness and participate in the various activities as they were part of it.
Philosophical Justification
Although most people who hear about ethnology think that it is a form of invasion of privacy, the local culture generally has no problem with it. This is because, before doing anything the anthropologist gets permission from the leaders of that culture and is thereafter expected to obey their wishes (Marres, 2012). The philosophical justification in this case is that, when the anthropologist is immersed within a culture for a number of months, there is a better opportunity of learning more. The people of that culture will also learn to trust the researcher and will, therefore, open up easily. Therefore, the resulting information will be accurate, and hence the researcher will be in a position to create a very comprehensive ethnography.
Sociological and Anthropological Approaches to the Described Research Methods
Both of the research methods mentioned here uses secondary research. Therefore, they are in a position to make use of similar material for their researches. The difference, however, comes about on how the information is reported or utilized. Although the same information is used, each group may look at it from varying angles (Marres, 2012). This is where the lines between sociology and cultural anthropology are confused. The best way to identify the difference between the two is by determining whether the focus of a specific study is from a cultural view or a societal view.
Conclusion
Although many people confuse sociological research with anthropological research, this paper has clearly stated how the difference may be recognized. There are many similarities; however the most important thing is to recognize the difference.
References
Currie, T. E. (2013). Cultural Evolution Branches Out: The Phylogenetic Approach in Cross-Cultural Research. Cross-Cultural Research, 47(2), 102-130. Doi:10.1177/1069397112471803
I-Fen, L., & Nora Cate, S. (1995). Using survey participants to estimate the impact of non-participation. Public Opinion Quarterly, 59(2), 236-258.
Kipo, D. (2013). Mixed Research Methods: Reflections on Social Public Policy. Asian Social Science, 9(17), 259-268. Doi:10.5539/ass.v9n17p259
Marres, N. (2012). The redistribution of methods: on intervention in digital social research, broadly conceived. Sociological Review, 139-165. Doi:10.1111/j.1467-954X.2012.02121.x
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