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Methodological Considerations

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Book cover A Consumer's Guide to Archaeological Science

Part of the book series: Manuals in Archaeological Method, Theory and Technique ((MATT))

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Abstract

In order to effectively and efficiently utilize archaeological science methods, a clear research problem must exist. General research questions often revolve around establishing the time of occupation, trade patterns, subsistence, settlement patterns, technologies, and site activities. These questions can be further refined into hypotheses which may be tested by applying specific analytical techniques to suitable artifacts. Key aspects of this process involve acknowledging (1) the limitations of the analytical technique and (2) assumptions made when assessing the suitability of the artifact.

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Malainey, M.E. (2011). Methodological Considerations. In: A Consumer's Guide to Archaeological Science. Manuals in Archaeological Method, Theory and Technique. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5704-7_7

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