Module ANTH4048: Methods in Anthropology

Department: Anthropology

ANTH4048: Methods in Anthropology

Prerequisites

• ANTH 2031 Methods & Analysis AND ANTH 2021 Biology, Culture and Society 2015-16 ONLY - HUSS 2101 Methods & Analysis I AND HUSS 2111 Methods & Analysis II OR ANTH 2021 Biology, Culture and Society AND ANTH 2031 - Methods & Explanations

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Cannot be taken with ANTH4138 Theory and Methods in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology, ANTH4108 Professional and Quantitative Skills in Anthropology, ANTH4098 Professional and Qualitative Skills in Anthropology.

Aims

• To give students a comprehensive view of qualitative field methods used by social sciences, including the collection, management and interpretation of qualitative data.
• To provide students with quantitative research skills. It will develop students' skills in statistical analysis using datasets from anthropological research. Students will learn a range of statistical techniques for use in their research. In addition, they will become proficient in the use of SPSS for statistical methods.

Content

• Relation of explanatory theories to methods of research.
• Ethnography and participant observation.
• Interviewing (semi-structured interviews, guided conversations, life history interviews)
• Focus groups and other group-based research techniques.
• Participatory methods (e.g. participatory mapping, ranking, etc.)
• Power relations and reflexivity in qualitative research
• Management and analysis of qualitative data
• Ethical issues in qualitative research
• Dealing with quantitative data.
• Organising data for analysis.
• Selecting an appropriate statistical test.
• Running statistical tests using SPSS.
• Interpreting and reporting statistical results

Learning Outcomes

• A comprehensive overview of qualitative field methods used by social scientists.
• A thorough understanding of the ways in which social scientists interpret ethnographic and other qualitative data.
• An understanding of a range of subject-specific quantitative methods used in Anthropology.

• To be able to use effectively a range of qualitative social research techniques, including ethnography and participant observation, individual and group-based interviews, and participatory research methods.
• To be able to analyse and interpret qualitative data.
• To understand the relationships between method and theory.
• To appreciate some of the ethical issues inherent in qualitative social research
• Ability to analyse, and present the results from, complex data.
• Ability to express themselves in writing clearly and concisely on technical topics.
• Ability to use computer software for analysis and presentation of data.
• Ability to carry out basic quantitative analysis and to represent data effectively.

• Critical engagement with literature and development of fluency in reading and understanding statistical reports.
• Written communication skills: producing a clear and well-argued research report, clear and concise written expression on technical topics.
• Reflexivity: reflecting on own research practice
• Statistical analysis: Students should be able to set out data for analysis and select appropriate statistical tests for testing their own, specific hypotheses.
• Information technology: Students should be able to use computer software (SPSS) for analysis and presentation of data.
• Data analysis: Students should be able to carry out qualitative analysis, and to represent data effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures provide students with a coherent review of the research skills and the relevant background to the datasets they will be asked to analyse. Practical elements offer students the opportunity to implement specific quantitative methods under the supervision of a tutor. Students will be given guided step-by-step instruction in carrying out tasks on a computer; this will be followed by less guided, but still supervised, tasks which help consolidate students understanding of the skills and the relevance to anthropological research.
• Modes of Assessment:
• Feedback during practical sessions (formative) will provide students with immediate feedback on their progress and provide the opportunity for individual interaction with tutor. Feedback on formative qualitative research project proposal will support summative.
• Research projects allow students to demonstrate their acquisition of practical and theoretical skills and knowledge.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1000 word qualitative research project proposal, feedback in practical sessions for quantitative element.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University