Anthropologists do many things. There are different branches of anthropology i.e. cultural, archaeology, and physical anthropology. They work differently across each branch. They are scientists, in which their process to entering a newly discovered community, (seldom any today) or working within foreign regions, they often follow this process:
+Entering the foreign community
+Formulating hypotheses
+Gathering evidence
+Infer conclusions
Entering the foreign community
The anthropologist enters into a foreign community with the intent to accomplish to particular goals, (i) creating a role for themselves in the community, (ii) develop an understanding of the way these foreign groups live, envelop the idea of community etc. Many researchers have been known to enter the society, and participate in a role that already exists, such as a hospital worker or an instructor. Often others will intersect, and persuade the community to allow this observation to prosper, as well to attempt to develop a working relationship with the anthropologist. The researcher will play games with others, eat and share with others, as well partake in a multitude of their rituals, events, or activities. At first these scientists will obtain as much information at the start, mainly through astute observations, as well participatory conversations with other members of the society. They will often take ample notes throughout the day, and type these notes when they have a chance at nighttime. This is usually a good start for the anthropologist to start taking a community consensus.
Formulating an hypotheses
Here the anthropologist will establish which information is the most necessary to collect first, to last accordingly. They will start inquiring more about the community, their lifestyle, etc, in order to formulate efficient workable hypotheses. Plenty of new questions will arise as time goes on, and more so later when the anthropologist leaves the society. This is usually the stage where the researcher will begin partaking in lesser activities that involve constant study, and more so working to support his/her hypotheses.
Gathering evidence
Here the researcher will collect information to prove their hypotheses as true. These anthropologists will then continue to partake in the community life, but sometimes switch their methods and techniques up as well, largely in part to see how the community will react. The scientist may perform surveys with individuals, or specific groups. They may perform inventory analysis to determine which types of goods, if any these groups purchase, or best, produce themselves.
Inferring Conclusions
Here the scientist organizes the information collect, so they can be used to support their final conclusions. For instance, thousands of pages of notes could be broken down into segments so it’s easier for the researcher to use when publishing their findings. Further, inventory and census information should be calculated and incorporated with findings, to support those conclusions.
