3.2 Cautionary Tales — Erikson

In this activity you will review examples of Appalachian regional research projects that have been influenced by over-generalization and over-simplification of the region and its inhabitants. Read the PDF below and respond to synopses of this research. Activity one is based on Erikson, Kai T. Everything In Its Path: Destruction of Community in the Buffalo Creek Flood. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1976.

When you are done answer the questions below.
1. What assumptions did Erikson make about Appalachian people and culture?
2. Do you see evidence of stereotypes in this perception?
3. Does this limit the effectiveness of his research? If yes, how so? If no, why not?
4. What pitfalls, if any, do you see in Erikson’s research methodology?
5. Evaluate the validity of Erikson’s conclusions. How could this project have been more effective?