Question

Which of the following statements are correct?
A. Anthropology is an experimental science.
B. Anthropology is a field science.
C. Anthropology is a natural science.
D. Anthropology is an observational science.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, C and D only
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Think of anthropology's four-field approach: cultural, archaeological, linguistic, and biological. This helps you remember its diverse nature. It's a field science (all subfields), observational (all subfields), a social science (cultural), and a natural science (biological). The only thing it generally is not is an experimental science.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The question requires identifying accurate descriptions of anthropology as a discipline from a list of characteristics. Anthropology is a comprehensive discipline with diverse subfields.
Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
- A. Anthropology as an experimental science: Generally inaccurate. While some subfields may employ experimental methods (e.g., primatology), the field, particularly cultural anthropology, largely avoids controlled experiments due to ethical concerns and the complexities of studying human societies.
- B. Anthropology as a field science: Accurate. Fieldwork—immersion in and study of people within their natural environments (cultural anthropology) or site excavation (archaeology)—is a core anthropological research method.
- C. Anthropology as a natural science: Partially accurate. Biological or physical anthropology, a major subfield, aligns with natural science through its study of human evolution, biology, genetics, and primatology. Given anthropology's holistic nature, this statement holds merit.
- D. Anthropology as an observational science: Accurate. Anthropological methods, including participant observation in cultural anthropology and material culture analysis in archaeology, rely on careful and systematic observation.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Statements B, C, and D accurately describe various aspects of anthropology as a holistic discipline. Statement A is inaccurate. Therefore, the correct combination is B, C, and D.