Which perspective allows for comparative research in anthropology?

The etic perspective is the approach in anthropology that allows for comparative research. It involves viewing cultures from an external standpoint, utilizing universal concepts and categories that can be applied across different societies. This external analysis enables anthropologists to identify similarities and differences among various cultures, providing a broader understanding of human behavior and social structures.

By employing the etic perspective, researchers can compile data that facilitates cross-cultural comparisons, leading to insights about cultural patterns, practices, and belief systems that might not be immediately apparent through an internal or subjective lens. This comparative approach is essential for establishing general theories in anthropology that can be applied to multiple cultures, unlike the emic perspective, which focuses on understanding a culture from the participant's viewpoint.