Seven Stages of Archaeology (1) Research Questions (RQ): Archaeologists start any project by asking questions that will guide their research. For instance, they may ask: what would add to our understanding of a particular human society?
STEP
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STEP
( 3) Fieldwork: After getting the necessary written permission, fieldwork might include a walking survey, remote-sensing survey, excavation, or any combination of this. Location information and field observations are entered into computer databases.
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(2) Research Design: What kinds of data are needed to answer the research questions? Which strategies and methods are likely to give you the necessary information?
STEP
03 STEP
(5) Data Analysis and Interpretation: Archaeologists analyse field and laboratory data. They search for patterns and interpret observations that help them answer their RQs. This often involves the use of STEP comparison analysis, statistical tests and computer simulations.
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(4) Laboratory Work: Artefacts are cleaned, catalogued and analysed. Samples (e.g. tree –ring, botanical, faunal) are processed and analysed by specialists. Analytical data are also entered into databases.