Handbook of Methods in Cultural Anthropology
Edited by H. Russell Bernard University of Florida, Director of the Institute of Social Science Research, Clarence C. Gravlee
Publication date:
10 July 2014Length of book:
784 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersDimensions:
262x186mm7x10"
ISBN-13: 9780759120709
The Handbook of Methods in Cultural Anthropology, now in its second edition, maintains a strong benchmark for understanding the scope of contemporary anthropological field methods. Avoiding divisive debates over science and humanism, the contributors draw upon both traditions to explore fieldwork in practice. The second edition also reflects major developments of the past decade, including: the rising prominence of mixed methods, the emergence of new technologies, and evolving views on ethnographic writing.
Spanning the chain of research, from designing a project through methods of data collection and interpretive analysis, the Handbook features new chapters on ethnography of online communities, social survey research, and network and geospatial analysis. Considered discussion of ethics, epistemology, and the presentation of research results to diverse audiences round out the volume.
The result is an essential guide for all scholars, professionals, and advanced students who employ fieldwork.
Spanning the chain of research, from designing a project through methods of data collection and interpretive analysis, the Handbook features new chapters on ethnography of online communities, social survey research, and network and geospatial analysis. Considered discussion of ethics, epistemology, and the presentation of research results to diverse audiences round out the volume.
The result is an essential guide for all scholars, professionals, and advanced students who employ fieldwork.
Editors Bernard and Gravlee focus on the core aspect: fieldwork. The second edition of this handbook is organized into four parts: 'Perspectives,' 'Acquiring Information,' 'Interpreting Information,' and 'Applying and Presenting Information. The 23 chapters were each separately authored; some are by well-known anthropologists and others by those not so well-known. All have lengthy reference lists. . . .Nevertheless, the excellent essays certainly will be of use to experts wanting to expand their repertoire and to novices. Contributors cover topics ranging from epistemology to survey methods and from the classic participant observation to contemporary fieldwork in online environments. This highly readable collection will appeal to undergraduate and graduate students alike and be a useful addition to college and university libraries collecting in the social sciences. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty.