Similarities
Differences
What is the difference between an Archaeologist and Anthropologist?
An archaeologist and anthropologist are both researchers who study
human societies. They are different, however, in the types of societies they
study: archaeologists collect information about past civilizations, while
anthropologists investigate both contemporary cultures and their historical
origins. The word archaeology comes from the Greek meaning "study of old
things." Anthropology, on the other hand, means "study of humans." On
account of their different areas of research, an archaeologist and
anthropologist must use different methodologies.
The work situations of an archaeologist and anthropologist are both usually
very hands-on, but in different ways. An archaeologist's field work might
consist of excavating and restoring artifacts, or human-made objects, from
ancient ruins. In order to avoid damaging the artifacts, archaeologists must
use specialized trowels or brushes when removing them from the dig site.
These artifacts are often the most important source of information that an
archaeologist has about a particular civilization, especially if the civilization
did not have a writing system. Artifacts can reveal how people obtained and
prepared food, who their enemies were, and other historical facts. An
archaeologist may study these artifacts either at the dig site or in a museum or
lab with specialized equipment.
On the other hand, an anthropologist studies both biological and cultural
aspects of human societies in an attempt to determine how humans are alike
and different from one another. An archaeologist and anthropologist might
both benefit from studying artifacts, but in different ways. The archaeologist's
interest is primarily historical events, whereas the anthropologist will focus
more on the cultural significance of the artifact, concerning what it says about
the people's beliefs and values.
In contrast to an archaeologist, an anthropologist may also study living
cultures. This is usually done through ethnography, or writing about culture.
An ethnographer's goal is to live among a group of people long enough to
understand their actions, values and beliefs. The work of this type of
anthropologist is usually, but not always, done among less developed cultures.
He or she may benefit from investigating archaeological records left behind by
the society's predecessors, but may also concentrate strictly on the present
society.
Article taken from www.wisegeek.com