Specifically, Boas, in The Methods of Ethnology, argued against the various traditional evolutionary theories proposed by Morgan, Marx, Tylor and Spencer. Stating simply that these theories had a particular resilience, but lacked any sort of empirical evidence, Boas argued that the evolutionary theory was based on the counterfactual assumption that our culture was the most advanced and all others were merely following us (Boas, 134). After attacking the diffusionists by noting that their data was not competent enough, methodological difficulties, he responded to the view that historical particularism (Historical particularism argued that each society is a collective representation of its unique historical past. It showed that societies could reach the same level of cultural development through different paths) was atheoretical. How things are and how they come to exist can give only broad outlines of chronological events. Hence cultures are dynamic and in constant flux; every phenomenon is not only an effect, but also a cause. (Boas, 137) A point, taken to the extreme by Kroeber, but also put forth by Boas was that certain problems may be solved in only particular ways. Because humans are similar in their ``infrastructure'', they would tend to solve these problems in similar ways, leading towards the creation of similar traits. Hence, it is not about cultural achievement, but rather about particular conditions that exist at the moment when the new effect is obtained…
Experiences as a Predictor of Students ' Racial Climate Perceptions." Journal of Higher Education. 84.4 (July/August2013): 569-600. Web. 21 Mar. 2014. <http://muse.jhu.edu.ezproxy.rowan.edu/journals/journal_of_higher_education/v084/84.4.lowe.html>.…
Do elephants cry? Of course they do, because they care about each other. A mother elephant will shield her calf from vicious predators and the hot sun, guiding it underneath herself. If there’s an obstacle in their path, a mother will carry her child over it, when a dust storm hits, she will personally bathe her precious baby. Just like humans, elephants create deep emotional bonds between their families and herds. Except, humans are a little better at expressing their feelings. We care for our loved ones in many ways, but most everyone has different ways of showing it.…
Expressions portrayed through body art in today’s society are becoming continuously more acceptable. However, not all agree to what extent of body modification is acceptable or where it is acceptable in today’s society. In fact, “According to career publisher Vault.com’s (www.vault.com) new Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey, 85 percent of survey respondents believe that tattoos and body piercings impede your chances of finding a job (OfficeSolutions, 2007). However, there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason culturally. According to a survey completed by American Demographics “When it comes to gender and race, body art appears to be an equal opportunity phenomenon. For example, 13 percent of men have or have had a tattoo or body piercing, compared with 18 percent of women. Similarly, Whites (18 percent), Blacks (16 percent), and Hispanics (14 percent) are almost equally likely to have embellished their birthday suits” (American Demographics, 2001). An individual’s age group is…
Which author or institution is associated with coining the phrase, “the apartheid of schooling in America.”…
We all watch films, and documentaries. Generally, we learn some things from them, but can we be sure what we learned is true, and objective? If the films compare and analyze the context (religion, language, etc.) well, we call these kinds of films as ‘ethnographic’ films. A simple question can be appeared in our minds: which films are the ethnographic films? We will try to find an answer to this question with discussing the intentions, the wholeness and the ethics of ethnographic film-making.…
In Research All sociological research methods involve observation, however, participant observations is defined by when the researcher themselves participates in the activities of those he or she is observing and studying. Hughes (1976), describes participant observation as, ' When the researcher becomes part of a daily round, learning languages and meanings, rules of impersonal, relations... and in short, living the life of the people under study.' 1 Participant observations come in two forms, overt participant observations, in which, the researcher informs the groups members about the purpose of the research and othe details, and there is covert participant observations, in which, the researcher joins the group without informing the members, the research is carried out secretly and the members of the group are unaware they are being studied. This in itself can raise many issues. When carrying out participant observations, whether covert or overt, there are many problems that can occur, including time, cost, bias, replication, generalisation, validity, reliability and ethical issues. An important aspect when carrying out participant observations is that the researcher must observe people in their natural settings, the researcher must not disturb that setting. In Parker's study (View from the Boys 1974)2, of Liverpool adolescents, the researcher persuaded the boys to no commit a crime at the time, but did not stop them committing the crime ideally. This brings about many issues. For example, in participant observations, the researcher, as stated, should just observe. Parker broke this rule by convincing the boys not to steal at that moment. His intervention changed the behaviour of the boys, therefore any results can be said to be inaccurate as the group was not behaving as it would have if Parker was not present. Additionally, it raises ethical issues. He knew the boys would commit the crime later on, but because of his research, he couldn't call the police or…
As a new teacher I have not be given the privilege to have my own classroom yet, but I was given the opportunity on two occasions to practice my teaching skills with students. These two experiences have given me so much insight on how a classroom is run, and what I need to do implement to have a successful and smooth running classroom. Growing up from a very diverse back ground has allowed me to be more open and accepting with my students. I feel that I can relate to many of them on many aspects. I believe this trait will allow me to be success with not only my students, but with the student’s parents, administrators, as well as my co-workers.…
|To conduct observations is an important part of studying human development. Select a subject to watch either (not a family member) |…
Field research uses both low and high constraint research methods to draw conclusions about the research topics. Observational research is a low constraint field research method in which observations are made in the natural environment of the participant. Observational research has been used by those seeking knowledge before the birth of modern science.…
Shopping malls are overcrowded place with consumers from different ethnic backgrounds visiting to shop and spent some quality time. The consumer of the mall in general consists of single to big families, teenagers and senior citizens. For one particular marketing research, I have decided to take a challenge on creating an observational study for how many consumers enter the mall with own water/soda pop bottle. General idea is not to create different gender, demographic or ethnic group while conducting this study. My observation will be brand specific on the water and soda.…
Naturalistic observation Definition • It refers to collecting data without interfering with the ongoing behavior. • Observation relies on information available to the senses i.e. sight, hearing, touch etc. • participants are carefully observed in their natural setting without interference by the researchers.…
This auto-ethnography will examine my personal experiences working in various roles within the Australian corporation, Woolworths, over the course of the last five years; focusing primarily on the similarities and differences I’ve been witness to within different divisions of the company. My aim is to provide an insider’s perspective that outlines the culture of the company by examining its’ structure, purpose, values and practices. Using my own observations I will look at individual roles, training techniques, hierarchy of authority and management-employee relations as well as compare and contrast the organisational demographics, extrinsic and intrinsic motivations, and implicit and explicit norms with relation to many relative organisational theories. By examining these areas of the business through my observations and understandings I believe it will provide sufficient insight to the inner workings of the organisation.…
Forty drivers were observed at the stop sign in their vehicle, Twenty three of the drivers were female and seventeen were male. This study was done on two separate days, 50% were observed on the first day and the other 50 % were observed on the second day. The age range groups were 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Fifteen of the drivers were driving a SUV (sport utility vehicle), seventeen of the drivers were driving a car, five were driving a mini vans and three were driving a truck.…
There are many different documentation methodologies utilised in early childhood education services. Each method is linked to one or more theoretical perspective and according to personal and service philosophy, planning methods and the purpose of the documentation; educators can choose the best method for their desired outcome. This report aims to examine three different in order to examine how and when they can be implemented, which theories they relate to, and will determine their efficacy, appropriateness and value.…