Anthropologists and archaeologists study the past through various scientific methods like surveys, excavations, and dating techniques to uncover fossils, artifacts, and remnants that provide insights into how humans lived and developed culture over time. However, they face ethical issues regarding informed consent and treatment of human remains, as seen in a problematic case between Peru and Yale University. Proper protocols require researchers to inform local institutions of their work and get approval.

2.  HOW INDIVIDUALS CONDUCT
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES OF THE PAST?
 HOW ANTHROPOLOGISTS AND
ARCHEOLOGISTS STUDY THE
PAST?
WHAT ETHICAL PROBLEMS DO
THEY FACE WITH?

3.  Anthropologists need to inform
official institutions about their
research’s purpose, funding and
schedule.
 Problematic ethical issues: Peru&Yale
University example.

4.  INFORMED CONSENT: refers to
people’s agreement to take part in
research after they have been fully
informed about its purpose,
nature, funding, procedures and
potential impact on them.

5.  Fossil remains: bones, traces and
impressions of ancient life such as
footprints.
 Two basic fieldwork strategies:
Systematic survey and Excavation.
 Anthropologists and archeologists use
stratigraphy and radiometric techniques
to date fossils.

6.  Physical anthropology and Archaeology is concerned
with things from the past which have determined
the courses of human development and culture.
Things tell how people lived, what they did, how
they created and developed forms of written and
verbal communication, and what kinds of societies
they created. Written documents, primitive symbols,
and carved tablets tell what they recorded. Artifacts
tell what they valued and what the artists and
artisans created. Environmental and ecological
studies tell how and why people migrated, lived,
formed societies, why they fought over certain lands
or geographical features, and how they responded
to natural events.