Anthropology or Sociology Essay

In the fond sciences of sociology and ethnical anthropology, research workers have developed their own queer style or research and investigational techniques. dapple in the midst of these fields nearly techniques atomic number 18 similar, there argon close to differences. Some differences occur with the philosophic reasons certain techniques ar apply.In the field of sociology researchers strive to understand social situations and to discover repeating patterns in fellowship (Tischler, p.4, 2007). Two methods that sociologists use are direct poster and survey research. Direct observation involves first make it observations and obtaining reading from knowledgeable informants of the group that is being studied. Survey research involves the line of battle and analysis of information cope withed through interviews and questionnaires.While there are different reasons and circumstances to use different research methods in the entropy collection process, in the field of soc iology survey research does have some benefits. In earlier years the construction and administration of surveys, and statistical methods for tabulating and interpret their results, were widely regarded as the major sociological research technique (MSN Encarta, 2009). This allows researchers to correction populations on a broader scope than using direct observation. It also enables the researcher to gather information on a population in a more efficient manner than some other methods. The results from surveys give a look into a groups perspective as a whole earlier than individualized thoughts and opinions that can differ greatly even in sharp populations.Although sociology is similar to cultural anthropology in that they both check human behavior, researchers of cultural anthropology culture such topics as how people make their living, how people move with each other, what beliefs people hold, and what institutions organize people in a society (MSN Encarta, 2009). They also u se a more direct method to gather data. Traditionally, much anthropological research involves long-term, direct observation of and participation in the life of another culture which is known as participant observation (MSN Encarta, 2009). This usually involves the researcher immersing themselves in the culture and living with thepeople they are studying.Another method employed by cultural anthropologists is human ecology, which is the study of how cultures interact with their natural environment. Anthropologists may collect large amounts of data close features of a cultures environment, such as types of plants and animals, the chemical and nutritional properties of medicines and foods, and climate patterns (MSN Encarta, 2009). This information can help researcher understand certain characteristics of a peoples culture.While both of these fields of study involve studying people the methods used are different. They have different purposes in the collection of data. Sociologists mainl y study social situations and use less of a direct approach in their research. Cultural anthologists study the culture as a whole and any(prenominal) influencing factors. Their use of cultural immersion and the study of the natural environment ring a particular culture are different from a sociologists approach. scorn these differences the goals to better understand cultures and societies is still the common thread that is shared between both.ReferencesAnthropology, Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2009. Retrieved from May 25, 2009 fromhttp//encarta.msn.com 1997-2009 Microsoft Corporation.Sociology, Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2009 fromhttp//encarta.msn.com 1997-2009 Microsoft Corporation.Tischler, Henry. 2007. Introduction to Sociology. Belmont, CA Thomson Wadsworth.