Research methodsLesson 1 of 2 in the course Methods: Cultural and Archaeological

Archaeological Fieldwork, Relative Dating, and Chronometric Methods

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Archaeologists use systematic field methods to locate, excavate, and document evidence of past human activity. Careful recording matters because an object’s location and relationship to other finds can be as informative as the object itself.

Archaeological field research often begins with a survey: a systematic search for surface artifacts, cultural debris, or features that may indicate a site. Researchers may walk across an area, examine aerial images, or use technologies such as drones and Google Earth to spot unusual landforms or structures that are difficult to see from the ground.

All flashcards

What is an archaeological survey?
A systematic search of an area for surface artifacts, cultural debris, or features that may indicate a site.
What is the purpose of a test pit?
A small excavation unit used to sample a site and estimate the quantity and distribution of cultural materials.
How does an artifact differ from an ecofact?
An artifact is made or modified by people; an ecofact is naturally occurring evidence relevant to past environments or human activity.
What is primary context?
A find’s original location and its associations with other finds and features.
Why do archaeologists use field notes and maps?
They preserve find locations and relationships for interpretation and future research.

Quiz questions

  1. What is the main purpose of an archaeological survey?Answer: To search systematically for surface materials and features that may indicate a site.
  2. How does a grid system help during archaeological excavation?Answer: It helps map where artifacts and features occur in measured sections.
  3. Which find is an ecofact?Answer: A seed preserved at an archaeological site.
  4. In an undisturbed sequence of strata, which layer is generally older?Answer: A lower layer beneath the other strata.
  5. What does radiocarbon dating measure to estimate when an organism died?Answer: The amount of carbon-14 remaining in once-living material.

Based on Introduction to Anthropology by Jennifer Hasty, David G. Lewis, Marjorie M. Snipes (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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