James Spradley

James Spradley was an anthropologist known for developing methods to understand people's cultures and social behaviors through ethnography—a detailed, systematic way of studying groups. He focused on how to interview and observe individuals to learn about their beliefs, values, and daily practices. His work helps researchers uncover the meanings behind people's actions and language, providing a deep insight into cultural patterns. Spradley’s approaches are widely used in fields like anthropology, sociology, and qualitative research to respectfully and accurately explore human behavior and social phenomena.