Which anthropologist spent two years on the Trobriand Islands during WWI?

The correct answer is B, as Bronislaw Malinowski is the anthropologist known for his extensive fieldwork in the Trobriand Islands during World War I. His research there laid the groundwork for modern anthropology, particularly in the study of participant observation and ethnographic methods.

Malinowski's time on the islands was groundbreaking, as he immersed himself in the local culture, learning the language and participating in daily activities. His work challenged previous anthropological approaches that relied heavily on secondhand accounts and focused on mere observations from a distance. Malinowski's "Argonauts of the Western Pacific" highlights the importance of understanding the context of social practices and cultural meanings, emphasizing the value of living among the people being studied.

This significant contribution to anthropology established the foundations for later ethnographic studies and influenced how anthropologists conduct their fieldwork today. Malinowski’s method underscored the importance of understanding cultures from an insider perspective, marking a pivotal shift in the discipline.