Which field of research answers questions about how people lived in different places and times by focusing on human development and culture?

A. archaeology
B. anthropology
C. geology
D. history

B. anthropology

The field of research that answers questions about how people lived in different places and times by focusing on human development and culture is anthropology, option B.

To arrive at this answer, one needs to have a basic understanding of each field's focus. Let's break it down:

A. Archaeology: This field focuses on the study of past human societies by analyzing artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. Archaeologists dig up and examine artifacts to learn about past human behavior and cultures. However, their primary emphasis is on the material aspects of human existence, rather than the broader aspects of human development and culture.

B. Anthropology: This field is the study of human beings, their societies, cultures, and their development over time. Anthropologists examine various aspects of human life, including social structures, beliefs, traditions, language, and more. Anthropology encompasses both the physical and cultural aspects of human existence and seeks to understand the diversity of human experiences across different places and times.

C. Geology: Geology is the study of the Earth's structure, composition, and history, primarily focusing on rocks, minerals, and the processes that shape the planet's surface. Geologists do not specifically address questions about human development and culture.

D. History: History is the study of past events, particularly human history. Historians analyze written records, documents, and other sources to understand what happened in the past. Although history provides valuable insights into how people lived in different places and times, it primarily focuses on documenting and interpreting events, rather than examining human development and culture as a whole.

Therefore, based on the information provided, the field of research that focuses on human development and culture and answers questions about how people lived in different places and times is anthropology, option B.