Solutions to improve the quality of research and development in Anthropology

The conference was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Minh Chau and Dr. Emmanuel Pannier. The conference devoted considerable time to listening to the sharing of Anthropology students about the difficulties they encountered during their research. Student Tran Thi Tung Lam (K62 Anthropology) stated that surveys revealed many reasons preventing students from participating in scientific research, including: lack of time for research, lack of interest in research, insufficient funding for research, and a lack of understanding of how to conduct research…

Tung Lam also shared a problem many young people are facing: a crisis of direction and future development, meaning they don't know who they want to become, what their future job will be, or what benefits research will bring to their future careers. Besides these anxieties, students struggle to overcome the temptations of social media, other extracurricular activities, or are afraid to try something new. Many believe that Anthropology is a highly theoretical field and they don't fully understand the specific job opportunities available in this area.

Tung Lam also suggested that to overcome these obstacles, the Faculty should provide more support to students through scientific exchange sessions, guidance on research procedures and skills. Having participated in research and won awards at the Faculty and University levels, he also advised: Students need to be courageous enough to challenge their abilities in research, actively learn from their teachers, and dedicate themselves to this work; the results will be entirely worthwhile. This will help them mature in their thinking and perspective, enhance their practical problem-solving skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the value of their field of study.

In addition, many anthropology students want their professors to answer specific questions such as: How to identify the topic and subject of research in anthropology? How to combine interdisciplinary research methods in anthropology? How to access the latest theories in anthropology to apply to their research? What are the differences between research in anthropology and other scientific disciplines?...

Empathizing with, sharing, and answering the students' questions, Associate Professor Dr. Lam Minh Chau affirmed: Anthropology students have a strong tradition in scientific research, characterized by a wide variety of research topics and a strong emphasis on field research. Scientific research is a proactive process of discovering new knowledge by answering research questions. Knowledge created by research differs from knowledge created by experience because research activities must apply the systematic research methods and theories of the discipline, thereby helping researchers find the deep essence of the problem and apply research results to broader scopes. Unlike many other scientific disciplines, scientific research in Anthropology leans towards qualitative research, observation, and direct data collection through interviews with subjects and fieldwork; it also combines many interdisciplinary methods.

Ms. Tran Thuy Duong noted: Identifying the research topic, problem, and research question is crucial; it's the starting point of any research. Typically, researchers observe life and discover problems they are interested in and passionate about, seeking answers to those problems. Other points students should pay attention to include: Always define the research question before starting; Research hypotheses must be from a scientific perspective; Do not take research questions to interviewees; Interview questions must be clear…

According to Dr. Emmanuel Pannier, choosing a research topic must be novel, and in anthropological research, the most important aspect is fieldwork. Research topics can change during fieldwork because information gathered from real-life situations can alter preconceived notions. Anthropologists excel at in-depth interviews and in-depth interviews to gather information naturally, vividly, and authentically. This is a valuable skill not found in every scientific discipline.

According to Professor Emmanuel Pannier, scientific research is an "extremely interesting, romantic, and passionate" activity. By exploring the characteristics of another culture, while respecting cultural diversity, you can enrich your worldview, understand yourself better, and gain more insightful perspectives on problem-solving in your life and work.

Dr. Nguyen Vu Hoang shared his thoughts on the importance of applying anthropological theories to illuminate research. Students need to diligently accumulate this knowledge over the long term by reading books and studying the theories of anthropologists worldwide, thereby choosing a theoretical perspective that suits their research problem.

Dr. Phan Phuong Anh emphasizes critical thinking in scientific research. She believes that every new social event or phenomenon presents an opportunity for anthropologists to make new theoretical contributions or find solutions to practical problems in science and social life.

The professors' sharing of insights has opened up for the anthropology students the value that current anthropological research contributes to the development of society and brings happiness to people in many aspects of life; thereby helping them see the prospects and bright future of jobs and professions related to anthropology and giving them more confidence in their learning and training path. The professors also affirmed that in the future they will organize more guidance sessions and exchanges of scientific research experience between students and professors so that students can receive timely encouragement and support, both material and spiritual, for this activity.