Medical Anthropology

The study of cultural groups through historical records, oral histories, and ethnographic sources, often combining methods from history and anthropology.

An outside or analytical view of cultural groups, often used by researchers to compare behaviors and systems across different cultural groups.

The process of collecting data outside a laboratory or academic setting, typically through direct interaction with people in the various social environments that are important to them.

A research approach in qualitative studies where theories are developed inductively from data collected, rather than testing pre-existing hypotheses.

A key method in ethnographic research where the researcher becomes involved in the daily life of the group being studied to gain deeper understanding. This is the method used in ethnography and can be very structured and systematic.

A form of ethnography that utilizes less time than traditional ethnography in order to provide more rapid results to inform policy or public health decisions.

The practice of critically examining one’s own role, background, and potential biases when conducting research, especially in qualitative or ethnographic work.

A detailed, nuanced account of social behavior that includes context and meaning, helping to interpret not just what people do, but why they do it.

The study of human cultural groups, behaviors, and societies across time and space.

The study of health, illness, health systems that includes cultural, social, and biological factors (is a subfield of anthropology).