Unit 5 of 5
Study guide for DSST DSST General Anthropology — Unit 5: Applied Anthropology. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.
27
Practice Questions
12
Flashcards
6
Key Topics
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A researcher is hired by a government health agency to increase vaccination rates in a rural community with historically low uptake of Western medical interventions. The community has strong traditional healing practices and kinship-based decision-making. Which approach would be most effective from an applied anthropology perspective?
Answer: B — Option B is correct because applied anthropology requires understanding cultural context and working within existing social structures. By collaborating with traditional healers and community leaders, the researcher respects local knowledge systems and uses trusted messengers—increasing legitimacy and effectiveness. Option A fails because it dismisses indigenous knowledge and relies on one-way communication without cultural adaptation. Option C ignores the anthropological principle that sustainable change requires community buy-in and understanding; imposing solutions creates resistance. Option D repeats the mistake of external experts talking AT rather than WITH the community, missing opportunities to address actual concerns rooted in cultural values. This tests understanding of how applied anthropology requires cultural sensitivity, collaborative methods, and respect for existing belief systems.
A company developing a water sanitation project in a rural West African community notices that despite providing modern filtration systems, villagers continue using untreated water from the river. A researcher advises that before implementing further interventions, the team should conduct ethnographic interviews and observe actual water use practices. Why is the anthropologist's recommendation most important for project success?
Answer: C — The correct answer (C) reflects applied anthropology's core principle: understanding cultural context prevents failed interventions. Ethnographic observation reveals why communities reject 'solutions'—water may have ritual significance, filtration systems may require maintenance skills unavailable locally, or social hierarchies may determine water access. This knowledge allows culturally-appropriate adaptation. Option A commits the error of technological determinism and assumes cultures are static or inherently resistant to change. Option B, while partially correct in identifying cultural beliefs matter, frames this as proof of failure rather than information for better design. Option D inappropriately dismisses other expertise and misrepresents anthropology's collaborative role in applied contexts. The question tests whether students recognize that applied anthropology succeeds by integrating local knowledge into planning, not by replacing communities' agency with external expert solutions.
An anthropologist is working with a local community to develop a sustainable farming practice. The community has traditionally used a method that is no longer viable due to environmental changes. The anthropologist's role is to facilitate a solution that respects the community's cultural values while introducing new farming techniques. What is the primary goal of the anthropologist in this scenario?
Answer: B — The correct answer, B, is the primary goal of the anthropologist because it reflects the principles of applied anthropology, which aims to address practical problems while respecting the cultural values and context of the community. Option A is incorrect because it implies a top-down approach that disregards the community's cultural values. Option C is incorrect because, while research may be a part of the anthropologist's work, it is not the primary goal in this scenario. Option D is incorrect because providing financial assistance is not the primary role of the anthropologist in this context.
An anthropologist is working with a local community to develop a sustainable farming practice. The community is concerned about the potential impact on their traditional way of life. What should the anthropologist do first?
Answer: B — The correct answer, B, is to collaborate with the community to understand their concerns and incorporate their traditional practices into the new farming method. This approach respects the community's autonomy and cultural heritage, and is a key principle of applied anthropology. Option A is incorrect because it disregards the community's concerns and imposes an external solution. Option C is incorrect because while understanding the community's social structure is important, it is not the first step in addressing their concerns. Option D is incorrect because it excludes the community from the planning process, which is a fundamental principle of applied anthropology.
An anthropologist is hired by a government agency to conduct a study on the potential impact of a new dam on a local indigenous community. The anthropologist's role is to identify the potential consequences of the dam on the community's culture, economy, and environment. Which of the following is the most appropriate approach for the anthropologist to take in this situation?
Answer: A — The correct answer, A, is appropriate because it involves the anthropologist taking a participatory and collaborative approach, working closely with the community to understand their needs and concerns. This approach is essential in applied anthropology, as it ensures that the anthropologist's work is informed by the community's perspectives and values. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they either ignore the community's needs and concerns (B), prioritize 'progress' over the community's well-being (C), or abandon the community altogether (D).
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