Research methods in sociology and anthropology are similar but follow a specific set of guidelines for each. Each field approaches research in a similar way, but the methodology and intentions may differ. The differences reflect the distinct differences found in sociology and anthropology. The way an anthropologist approaches a problem and attempts to solve it is different from that of a sociologist because of the insightful basis of his knowledge. Some research methods require the researcher to be in close contact with the subjects, while in other methods the subject is not even aware that he or she is being observed. From these research methods, sociologists and anthropologists draw conclusions from their observations. Sociological research methods include experiments and social investigations. Experiments are carefully designed investigations in which the variables studied are controlled and the researcher obtains results through precise observations and measurements (Tischler, 2007). The researcher then studies those measurements to determine the impact of the variables. Experiments are designed to simulate real life under controlled circumstances to the best of the researcher's ability. The advantages of conducting an expiration are that variables can be isolated and controlled and are the perfect environment to test cause and effect relationships. However, most things that sociologists study cannot be studied in a “laboratory.” There are 3 different types of experiments; Laboratory, natural and field experiments. In a “laboratory” environment, subjects are in a contained environment. Natural experiments come from real events and this creates a sort of living, breathing laboratory. Natural disasters provide...... half of the document ......r, 2007). Many of the theories and concepts between sociology and culture overlap because at a very basic level we study people and their behaviors in the past and present. Using research methods, researchers can make predictions about future society. Works Cited Research methods. (n.d.). Eastern Oregon University - location. Retrieved January 3, 2011, from http://www2.eou.edu/~kdahl/methdef.htmlSociological Research Methods. (n.d.). Sociological research methods. Retrieved January 3, 2011, from www.fdbond.com/SociologySociological Research Methods: SparkCharts. (n.d.). SparkNote: SparkCharts. Retrieved January 4, 2011, from http://sparkcharts.sparknotes.com/gensci/sociology/section12.phpTischler, H.L. (2007). The sociological perspective. Introduction to Sociology (9th ed., pp. 9-10). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.