Anthropological Influence on Learning Theories

Running head: ANTHROPOLOGICAL INFLUENCE ON LEARNING THEORIES
ANTHROPOLOGICAL INFLUENCE ON LEARNING THEORIES
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1ANTHROPOLOGICAL INFLUENCE ON LEARNING THEORIES
1. What are anthropology and ethnography? Why did cognitivist educational
researchers begin to find it necessary to incorporate elements from these studies into
their studies (and to make cognitive science "scruffy")?
Anthropology is referred to the scientific study of humankind including biology and
several cultural aspects to comprehend human origin and the growth of various beliefs of the
society. The most significant aspect of this study is its holistic perspective of identifying
human race in relation to the dynamic interconnectedness of all facets of human existence.
Ethnography is a research method used in the study of social science which has its
origin from the fields of anthropology and sociology. The central area of ethnographic
research lies on intensive linguistic and cultural knowledge, along with a combination of
chronological, observational and interview methodologies.
Anthropology is considered a founding member of cognitive science because of its
relation with cognition and cultural aspects. Cognitive anthropology identifies the human
intellect as a cultural phenomenon where the mind generates enriching behavior that produces
relevant cognitive properties (Milton, 2013). Ethnography has immense significance in
cognitive science as well. It determines the relevance of the questions through ecological
validation to experimental research and further develops more pragmatic, culturally suitable
tasks in scientific investigations.
2. In "The Learning Sciences: Past, Present, and Future," Janet Kolodner tells a kind of
"story" about the emergence of the "Learning Sciences" as a field. What does her
account indicate the way fields and research agendas change and reform?
Learning sciences highlights on the promotion of innovative and creative ways of
learning. It helps in the understanding of developmental courses and manifestation of various