What is the primary focus of ethnology within anthropology?

Ethnology primarily focuses on the comparative and analytical study of cultures. It aims to understand the similarities and differences between human societies and the cultural practices, beliefs, and social structures that define them. By examining various cultures, ethnologists seek to identify patterns, variations, and historical contexts that shape human behavior and societal organization.

This comparative aspect allows researchers to draw generalizations about cultural processes and influences, contributing to a broader understanding of humanity. While options involving linguistic structures, social behaviors in various environments, and quantitative research methods represent important areas within anthropology and related disciplines, they do not encapsulate the core objective of ethnology, which is specifically geared toward the analysis and comparison of cultural dimensions across different groups.