Dr. Karp’s argument that the interview-centered approach will produce more accurate understanding of child-rearing traditions in islands such as Tertia than observation-centered approach is not without flaws. We need many compelling evidences in order to evaluate the argument correctly. Such evidences could make argument much more weaker than it seems, or makes it ever more valid. In order to make that determination, we need to know more and then analyze what we learn.

The first piece of evidence that we need is the various cultural changes that could happen in the island of Tertia over the course of twenty years. It is possible that various cultural changes have happened in Tertia and now, children are raised by their parents more than raised by the entire community. Dr. Karp needs to take into account this factor before invalidating Dr. Field’s work.

Another piece of evidence that we need is the types of questions that were asked to the children in the interviews. It could be possible that children were asked questions more specifically about their parents and answers to them cannot exclude them. Also, we need to know more about the answers that were given by the students. If they are mentioning their parents more because they are missing them because they are busy in their work or they are unhappy about their parents decision of raising them communally, that could subvert the author’s argument substantially.

Dr. Karp avers that they are conducting their interviews in the group of islands that includes Tertia. So, it might be possible that no children of Tertia is interviewed yet. It is very much possible that the culture of rearing children communally is not very popular in these other islands but is popular in the island of Tertia. The author needs to answer these questions before making dubious claims.

Disregarding the observation-centered approach completely in favor of interview-centered approach is a very strong assertion and needs much more support than provided by the author. It is possible that Dr. Field’s study was not very precise but this could hardly justify disregarding this approach completely to study cultures of islands. Dr. Karp needs to provide more information about previously conducted observation-centered studies and interview-centered studies before making any such claims.

Clearly, we need additional evidences in order to get complete understanding of strengths and weaknesses of Dr. Karp’s argument. Making mere claims without supporting evidences makes his argument only weaker.