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Quantifying Archaeology
Reconstructing and exploring the past through archaeological evidence is not an easy or trivial task, and an absolute prerequisite for progress is the recognition of patterns in archaeological data. Rarely are these immediately apparent in the masses of material which archaeologists uncover. Quantitative methods of data analysis provide an indispensible means of detecting such patterning in a systematic and organised fashion. This book introduces archaeologists to the most important quantitative methods, from the initial description of archaeological data to techniques of multivariate analysis. These are presented in the context of familiar problems in archaeological practice, an approach designed to illustrate their relevance and to overcome the fear of mathematics from which archaeologists often suffer. The book arises from courses which the author has given over a number of years from first-year to Master's level. Through worked examples it will help students understand how archaeological problems can be posed in quantitative terms; how to use basic quantitative methods to analyse archaeological data and how to realise when advise from experts is needed to solve specific complex problems.
- GenresArchaeologyScience
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 2, 2011
Good introduction to statistics for the archaeologist. However, since the book is supposed to be a quick glance of what tools can be used by archaeologists, there comes a time that the non specialist, or student, (or at least me!) gets confused if he/she reads it without the proper guidance.
I had already taken a couple of statistic courses, and must admit that I was pretty lost from chapter 10 to 13.
It helped me to refresh some knowledge, gain some more and be aware of the debate around the use of some techniques in the specific field of archaeology.
I read the Spanish translation of the book, entitled: Arqueología Cuantitativa, 1992, editorial Crítica, Barcelona.
I had already taken a couple of statistic courses, and must admit that I was pretty lost from chapter 10 to 13.
It helped me to refresh some knowledge, gain some more and be aware of the debate around the use of some techniques in the specific field of archaeology.
I read the Spanish translation of the book, entitled: Arqueología Cuantitativa, 1992, editorial Crítica, Barcelona.
Displaying 1 of 1 review