Anthropological fieldwork methods

Anthropological fieldwork methods are as follows:

Fieldwork can be divided into five stages: preparation stage, beginning stage, investigation stage, writing investigation report stage and supplementary investigation stage. Only the first three stages are described here.

1. Preparation stage:

(1) Select the investigation point.

(2) Be familiar with the survey site.

(3) Write a detailed survey outline and design a survey form.

(4) Be familiar with the theory and basic knowledge about society and culture.

2. Initial stage:

(1) First, report to the local government and obtain the support of the local government.

(2) After arriving at the county and township where the investigation point belongs, learn more about the local situation.

(3) Choose a good place to live.

3. Investigation stage:

(1) First, understand the local general social etiquette and taboos.

(2) Do as the Romans do and respect the local people.

(3) Pay attention to the design of personal image.

(4) Observe carefully.

(5) The interview should be deep and skillful.

(6) Listen to local people's opinions on local political and practical issues.

(7) Some questions about data collection.

(8) Organize data while investigating.

(9) Time of investigation.

The concept and main application of fieldwork method:

1. Concept:

The scientific anthropological fieldwork method was developed by Malinowski, a representative figure of the British functional school. Aw Kasper Malinowski), and the famous sociologist Mr. Fei Xiaotong has made outstanding achievements in this respect in China.

one of its most important research methods is to participate in observation. It requires investigators to live with the respondents for a period of time to observe, understand and know their society and culture.

the ideal state of fieldwork is that the investigator has lived in the investigated area for more than two years and is proficient in the language of the interviewee, which is conducive to the in-depth study and interpretation of the interviewee's culture.

The traditional field investigation method takes time and energy, and the cost is high. If the method is used improperly, its reliability and validity will be greatly reduced.

Second, the main application of field investigation:

Field investigation is mainly applied to the research of natural science and social science, such as anthropology, ethnology, folklore, archaeology, biology, ecology, environmental science, ethnomusicology, geography, geology, geophysics, linguistics, paleontology, sociology, etc. Its English name is Field work.