1. METHODS IN ANTHROPOLOGY
SCIENCE AND INTERPRETATION

2. HOW DO WE KNOW ANYTHING…?
LOGIC – a formal system with which one may test a proposition REASON – the ability to think, explain, and form judgments DOCTRINE – propositions which are given by authority OPINION – a judgment or view not necessarily based on fact or logic

3. Scientific Methods Observe Explain Predict Test Inductive Logic
Deductive Logic

4. WHAT ARE DATA? Recorded observations:
Universe of possible observations vs. Sample observations
Random collection: all occurrences available are assigned a number. A random number generator is utilized for selection
Systematic collection: every third occurrence might be collected

5. INDUCTIVE/Deductive Methods
Hypotheses are produced by extrapolating from the specific to the general case: Inductive Reasoning
Testable Hypotheses are the result: specific predictions from observations (Inductive Logic)
if A…, then B
Deductions (If the explanation is true, then…). Deductions reason from the general to the specific case.
Objective tests that must be reproducible
Evaluate Results, test again if necessary
Conclusion
Theories are generalized predictive models, well substantiated explanations.

6. Strong vs. Weak Inductive Reasoning
A is to B, as B is to C, therefore A=B,C
Strong vs. Weak Inductive Reasoning
Strong Induction: If all premises are true, the conclusion is likely to be true.
Weak Induction: Even if all premises are true, other possibilities are equally likely.
Increased similarity in propositional cases strengthens the argument

7. Principle of Uniformity
All the processes which effect change currently are the same processes which have caused change in the past. These processes include decomposition, erosion, deposition and transport of sediments, aritifacts and ecofacts

8. Principle of superposition
Younger, more recent deposition will reside above older deposition This is the process by which stratigraphic deposition occurs

9. Archaeological Context
Artifacts, Ecofacts and Features
Stratigraphy
Provenience
Associations
Assemblages

10. SCIENCE & RELIGION: