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: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the correct descriptions of the discipline of anthropology from a list of characteristics. Anthropology is a broad, holistic discipline with multiple subfields.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- A. Anthropology is an experimental science: This is generally incorrect. While some subfields might use experimental setups (e.g., in primatology), the discipline as a whole, especially cultural anthropology, does not rely on controlled experiments due to ethical and practical limitations of experimenting on human societies.
- B. Anthropology is a field science: This is correct. Fieldwork—living among and studying people in their natural settings (for cultural anthropology) or excavating sites (for archaeology)—is the quintessential research method of anthropology.
- C. Anthropology is a natural science: This is partially correct. One of its major subfields, biological or physical anthropology, is a natural science, studying human evolution, biology, genetics, and primatology. Since this is a part of the discipline, the statement can be considered correct in the context of anthropology's holistic nature.
- D. Anthropology is an observational science: This is correct. The primary methods of anthropology, such as participant observation in cultural anthropology and the observation of material culture in archaeology, are based on careful and systematic observation.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements B, C, and D are all correct descriptions of different facets of the holistic discipline of anthropology. Statement A is incorrect. Therefore, the correct combination is B, C, and D.