Here are all 40 Research Methods in Anthropology questions asked in UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 4 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
8.1] Fieldwork tradition in anthropology
18 questions
Write a short note on: Ethics in anthropological fieldwork. [2026/10m/150w/5a]
Discuss the mixed method approach in anthropological research. [2026/20m/7a]
Discuss the contemporary challenges in fieldwork method in anthropological research. [2024/15m/3c]
Critically discuss the controversies related to fieldwork of Bronislaw Malinowski and Margaret Mead. [2023/20m/6a]
Write the historical development of field work tradition in anthropology till recent times. [2022/15m/7b]
Evaluate participant observation in producing anthropological knowledge. [2019/15m/7c]
Discuss phenomenology as a research method in anthropological studies. [2019/15m/8c]
Define ethnography and present a brief history of ethnographic studies. [2018/20m/3a]
Elucidate the basic characteristics of anthropological fieldwork methods. [2017/15m/4b]
Describe the evolution of fieldwork tradition in Anthropology. [2016/15m/4c]
Write a short note on: Field work tradition in Anthropology. [2014/10m/150w/1e]
Write a short note on: Field work tradition in Anthropology. [2011/15m/150w/1c]
Discuss the importance of field work in anthropology and describe various tools of data collection. [2008/60m/3]
Critically examine the role of subjectivity in Anthropological Research. [2006/60m/R11]
Discuss the contribution of field work in the development of anthropological concepts and theories. [1999/50m/14]
Trace the genesis and development of field work in anthropological research. Assess its importance in the development of Anthropology. [1998/50m/12]
Critically assess the role of ethnography in the development of anthropological theories. [1997/50m/15]
What was Boas’ approach of studying primitive cultures? Delineate the role of field work and history in anthropological study. [1995/50m/R13]
8.2] Distinction between technique, method and methodology
1 question
Critically examine the contribution of Positivistic and Non-Positivistic approaches in Social Science Research. [2007/60m/R11]
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17 questions
Differentiate between pedigree and genealogical analyses. Discuss the history and application of these methods in anthropological studies. [2025/15m/3c]
Discuss the applicability of various sampling techniques in selecting the study group. [2024/15m/7c]
Write a short note on: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) [2022/10m/150w/1e]
Discuss various tools of data collection in conducting anthropological research. [2021/20m/8a]
How is case study method helpful in understanding a social phenomena? Explain with suitable example. [2018/20m/4a]
Write a short note on: Questionnaire. [2017/10m/150w/1e]
Write a short note on: Genealogical Method. [2014/10m/150w/1b]
Discuss the relevance of Case Study method of data collection. [2013/20m/250w/7a]
What are the tools of data collection? Discuss the advantages and limitations of participant observation as a technique of data collection. [2012/20m/6b]
What do you understand by the following terms? (i) Systemic sampling (ii) Stratified sampling (iii) Multistage sampling. For what kind of anthropological researches will you use each of them and why? [2010/30m/7a]
Write a short note on: ‘Schedule’ and ‘Questionnaire’ in research methodology. [2009/20m/200w/1c]
Discuss the importance of field work in anthropology and describe various tools of data collection. [2008/60m/3]
Write a short note on: Schedule and Questionnaire. [2005/20m/R4]
Write a short note on: Participatory Rapid Assessment (PRA) [2004/20m/R4]
Write a short note on: Sampling Methods. [2001/20m/R7]
Examine the importance of observation as a fieldwork technique in Anthropology. Differentiate between participant and non-participant observation and analyse the problem of objectivity in participant observation. [1996/50m/R17]
What are questionnaire and schedule techniques of field study? Assess their relative usefulness in anthropological studies. [1995/50m/R15]
8.4] Analysis, interpretation and presentation of data
4 questions
Describe various methods of qualitative data analysis. Highlight some popular computer softwares used in qualitative analysis. [2023/20m/7a]
How have interpretation and presentation of data changed from classical to contemporary writings in anthropological texts? [2020/15m/8c]
What are the statistical methods used in Physical Anthropology? [2002/60m/R13]
Write a short note on: Chi-square Test. [2000/20m/200w/5a]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026