Soca 105 Final #1

Historical archaeology focuses on studying societies that have written records, which allows researchers to combine archaeological evidence with historical documents. This approach helps to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the past by examining both material culture and written sources. By beginning with the advent of written history in a specific region, historical archaeologists can analyze the cultural and social changes that occurred during this time period. This approach is particularly useful in investigating the development of complex societies, colonialism, and the impacts of globalization.

A grid system is used to accurately record the location of an artifact both horizontally and vertically. This allows archaeologists and researchers to precisely document and study the position and context of the artifact within a site. By using a grid system, the artifact's location can be easily referenced and compared to other artifacts or features within the site, aiding in the understanding of the site's layout and history.

The correct answer is "understand the human past." This is because modern archaeologists are primarily interested in studying and interpreting artifacts and remains from ancient civilizations in order to gain insights into how humans lived in the past. Their goal is to reconstruct and understand the history, culture, and behavior of past societies, rather than simply collecting objects for museums or seeking personal adventure.

Ethnocentrism refers to the belief that one's own culture or ethnicity is superior or the standard by which all others should be judged. This belief often leads to a biased and narrow perspective, disregarding the value and validity of other cultures. It assumes that one's own way of life is the only correct way and dismisses the possibility of understanding and appreciating different ways of being fully human.

Archaeologists are the professionals who conduct the systematic study of the material remains of human behavior in the past. They analyze artifacts, structures, and other physical evidence to understand past cultures and societies. Ethnologists study contemporary cultures, forensic anthropologists focus on analyzing human remains to help solve crimes, and anthropological linguists study the relationship between language and culture. However, only archaeologists specialize in the study of material remains from the past.

Science is not infallible and does not always provide the right answer to a question. It is a process of inquiry that involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. Science is empirical, meaning it is based on evidence and observations. It is systematic and explicit, following a specific methodology. Additionally, science is self-critical, always seeking to challenge and improve existing theories and hypotheses. However, it does not guarantee that the answers obtained are always correct.

The site of Meadowcroft Rock Shelter provides evidence that people were living in what is now the eastern US (near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) earlier than the well-dated Clovis people lived in North America.

Archaeologists consider an artifact as a product of human behavior because it is something that someone made. Artifacts are objects or items that have been created or modified by humans, reflecting their cultural, social, and technological development. These objects provide valuable insights into past civilizations and help archaeologists understand human behavior, activities, and history.

The context of an artifact is important for an archaeologist to know because it can reveal valuable information about the artifact's use, age, and relationship to other artifacts and features. By understanding the context in which an artifact is found, archaeologists can gain insights into the culture, society, and history of the people who created and used the artifact. This information helps archaeologists interpret the significance and meaning of the artifact within its broader archaeological context. Additionally, studying the relationship between artifacts and their surrounding features can provide clues about the activities and behaviors of past societies.

A datum point serves as a fixed reference that can be used consistently across different archaeological sites. This allows archaeologists to compare data between excavations more easily. While vertical provenience can be measured from the ground surface, obtaining accurate horizontal provenience would be more challenging without a datum point. The ground surface does not have consistent elevation across a site, making it unreliable as a reference point. Therefore, a datum point provides a stable and universal reference for archaeologists to ensure accuracy and consistency in their measurements and data analysis.

A grid system is a method used in recording the excavation of artifacts where the excavation area is divided into squares and the contents of each square are carefully recorded. This system helps to organize and document the findings in a systematic manner, allowing for accurate analysis and interpretation of the artifacts and their spatial relationships within the excavation area.

The portable material products of former societies are referred to as artifacts. Artifacts are objects or items that were created, used, or modified by humans in the past. These can include tools, pottery, weapons, clothing, and other items that provide insights into the culture, technology, and lifestyle of ancient civilizations. Fossils, on the other hand, are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms. Ecofacts are natural materials that provide information about the environment or natural resources used by past societies. Antiquaries are individuals who study or collect antiques or ancient artifacts.

The first steps taken in most archaeological excavation is to establish a datum and grid pattern system. This is important because it provides a reference point for all measurements and spatial relationships within the excavation site. The datum is a fixed point from which all measurements are taken, ensuring accuracy and consistency in recording the location of artifacts and features. The grid pattern system divides the site into smaller units, allowing for systematic excavation and documentation of each area. This helps archaeologists to organize and analyze the data collected during the excavation process.

An artifact is defined as an object made or modified by humans. This means that it is something that has been created or altered by human hands. It could be anything from a tool to a piece of artwork. This definition distinguishes artifacts from natural objects or items that have not been influenced by human activity.

The correct answer is "has been well supported by scientific testing." This means that when something is referred to as a theory, it has gone through extensive scientific testing and has been supported by evidence and data. It is not just a guess or an unproven idea, but rather a well-established and substantiated explanation for a phenomenon.

The given answer is incorrect because it states that archaeologists are trained professionals who try to reconstruct human behavior in the past. This is actually a correct description of what archaeologists do. Archaeologists study artifacts and other physical remains to understand past human societies and their behavior. They use scientific methods and theories to interpret the material culture and reconstruct aspects of ancient societies. This answer contradicts the established understanding of archaeology and therefore cannot be considered a Hollywood stereotype.

The correct answer is "garbage" because the archaeological record consists of various artifacts left behind by past human civilizations. These artifacts can include discarded items such as broken pottery, tools, and other waste materials. Garbage provides valuable insights into the daily lives, habits, and consumption patterns of ancient societies, allowing archaeologists to reconstruct and understand their cultural practices and behaviors.

A test excavation would be most appropriate when trying to determine a site's potential for answering a research question because it allows researchers to gather preliminary data and evaluate the site's suitability for further excavation. By conducting a small-scale excavation, researchers can assess the presence of archaeological features, artifacts, or other evidence that may be relevant to their research question. This helps them make informed decisions about whether to proceed with a full-scale excavation at the site or explore other options.

Complete and accurate record-keeping is the most important aspect of an archaeological dig in terms of anthropological value because it allows researchers to understand the context and significance of the artifacts. Without proper documentation, the artifacts lose their meaning and cannot contribute to our understanding of past cultures. Record-keeping helps in creating a comprehensive picture of the archaeological site, including the relationships between different artifacts, their location, and the overall history of the site. It also enables future researchers to access and analyze the data, ensuring that the knowledge gained from the dig can be built upon and shared with the wider scientific community.

Culture in anthropology refers to all the learned behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, values, and ideals that are characteristics of a particular society or population. It encompasses the way people think, behave, and interact within their social group. This includes traditions, customs, language, arts, and other aspects that are passed down from generation to generation. Culture shapes individuals' identities and influences their perceptions and actions, providing a framework for understanding the world and guiding social behavior.

Archaeologists are concerned with all of the above options when they dig excavation units. Horizontal provenience refers to the location of artifacts or features on a horizontal plane, which helps in understanding their spatial relationships. Vertical provenience refers to the depth or stratigraphy of artifacts or features, providing information about their chronological order. Keeping the walls of the unit straight and perpendicular is important for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the excavation. Therefore, all of these factors are crucial for archaeologists during excavation.

The overall goal of archaeology is to reconstruct past cultural systems. This involves studying and analyzing artifacts, structures, and other remains left behind by ancient civilizations in order to understand their social, economic, and political systems. Archaeologists aim to piece together the puzzle of the past and gain insights into how different cultures lived and interacted, providing valuable knowledge about human history and cultural development.

A grid system is used to establish horizontal control at a site. This involves dividing the site into a grid with evenly spaced horizontal lines and vertical columns. The grid system helps to accurately measure and locate specific points or features on the site. It provides a reference framework for conducting surveys, mapping, and other site-related activities. By using a grid system, precise measurements and positioning can be achieved, ensuring consistency and accuracy in data collection and analysis.

Archaeology is not the most distinct subfield of anthropology because it is essentially the popular activity of art collecting. While archaeology does involve the collection and analysis of artifacts, it is not solely focused on collecting art. Archaeology is a scientific discipline that studies human history and culture through the excavation and analysis of material remains. It involves a specialized set of skills and techniques that are used to interpret and understand past societies. Therefore, the statement that it is essentially the popular activity of art collecting is incorrect.

Midden is an archaeological term used to describe ancient trash piles. These piles consist of discarded materials such as food waste, broken pottery, and other debris, providing valuable insights into the daily lives and habits of past civilizations. By studying middens, archaeologists can learn about the diet, technology, and cultural practices of ancient societies. These trash piles often contain fossilized artifacts, which further enhance our understanding of past civilizations.

Archaeologists can analyze the shape and signs of wear and tear on an artifact to gain insights into how it was used. By closely examining the shape of the artifact, they can determine its function or purpose. Signs of wear and tear, such as scratches or breakages, can provide clues about the activities it was involved in or the conditions it was exposed to. This method allows archaeologists to understand the practical use of the artifact without the need for additional techniques like coating it with latex or dissolving it with chemicals.

Features refer to a kind of artifact that cannot be easily removed from an archaeological site. Unlike other artifacts such as hearths, garbage, or ecofacts, features are immovable and are considered a part of the site itself. They are typically structures or elements of the landscape that have been modified by human activity, such as walls, ditches, or postholes. Features provide important information about past human behavior and can help archaeologists understand the function and organization of a site.

The given answer "features" is correct because it is mentioned that pits are the most common features. This implies that pits are the main or prominent characteristics or attributes of a particular place or site.

The "reading" of the archaeological record refers to the process of interpreting and understanding the information and evidence found in archaeological sites. This involves analyzing artifacts, features, and other remains to uncover information about past human activities and societies. Therefore, the correct answer is analysis, as it best describes the act of examining and interpreting the archaeological record.

Participant observation is a unique research strategy used by anthropologists to learn about a group's language and culture. It involves actively participating in the daily activities of the group being studied, allowing the researcher to gain firsthand experience and insight into their practices, beliefs, and social dynamics. This method allows for a more holistic understanding of the group, as it combines observation with direct involvement, enabling the researcher to immerse themselves in the group's culture and language. Ethnography, on the other hand, refers to the written or systematic study of a particular culture or social group, which often involves participant observation as a key method. Assimilation and holistic interaction are not specific research strategies used by anthropologists.

Test pits are used to determine if a potential site is a site and to decide exactly where to dig. This is because test pits allow archaeologists to gather information about the soil composition, stratigraphy, and presence of any cultural materials or artifacts at a particular location. By excavating small test pits, archaeologists can evaluate the potential of a site and make informed decisions about where to focus their excavation efforts. This helps to ensure that the excavation is targeted and minimizes unnecessary damage to the surrounding area.

Fieldwork refers to the extended period during which an anthropologist collects data. It involves conducting research and gathering information firsthand by immersing oneself in the culture or environment being studied. This can include various methods such as observing, interviewing, and participating in activities. Fieldwork allows anthropologists to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and collect valuable data for their research.

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon in science. It is based on prior observations and knowledge, and it is testable through experiments or further observations. A hypothesis is a starting point for scientific investigations and is used to make predictions that can be tested and either supported or refuted. It is an essential step in the scientific method and is necessary for the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Prehistoric archaeology focuses on societies that existed before written history, which means that it heavily relies on interpreting excavated objects and their uses to understand how ancient people lived. Additionally, the artifacts uncovered during excavations and the data collected are nonrenewable cultural resources, making it crucial to handle the excavation process with care. It is important to record as much data as possible about the site accurately because incorrect or incomplete data holds little historical value. Therefore, all of the given statements are true and contribute to the comprehensive nature of prehistoric archaeology.

Archaeologists refer to non-removable artifacts such as hearts, pits, and walls as "features." This term is used to describe physical elements or structures that are part of an archaeological site and cannot be easily removed. These features provide valuable information about past human activities and can help archaeologists understand the cultural and historical context of a site.

The correct answer is material culture. Material culture refers to the tangible and physical objects that are created, used, and preserved by a society. This includes tools, structures, and art, which are durable aspects of culture that can provide insights into the beliefs, practices, and values of a particular group of people. Fossils, on the other hand, are the remains or traces of ancient organisms. Artifacts are objects made or modified by humans that have historical or cultural significance. Prehistory refers to the period of time before the invention of writing.

An archaeological site refers to a location that provides evidence of past human occupation, such as a hunting camp or a permanent village. It is a place where artifacts, structures, and other remains can be found and studied by archaeologists to understand the history and activities of past human societies.

Cultural relativism is the correct answer because it refers to the anthropological attitude of describing a society's customs and ideas objectively, without imposing one's own cultural values or judgments. It emphasizes understanding these customs and ideas within the specific context of that society's problems and opportunities, rather than comparing them to one's own cultural standards. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and unbiased understanding of different cultures and promotes respect for cultural diversity.

When the remnants of human activity are covered or buried by some natural process, they form archaeological sites. These sites can include artifacts, structures, and other evidence of past human civilizations. Archaeologists study these sites to understand the culture, history, and lifestyle of ancient societies. By excavating and analyzing the artifacts and remains found at these sites, researchers can gain insights into the past and reconstruct the story of human civilization.

Sampling allows archaeologists to recover a full range of artifacts and other materials while only excavating a small portion of a site. By selecting representative samples from different areas of the site, archaeologists can make inferences about the entire site without having to excavate the entire area. This method saves time and resources while still providing valuable information about the site's history and the artifacts it contains.

Science is a method of inquiry because it involves systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis to gain knowledge and understanding about the natural world. It goes beyond just collecting facts and includes the development of hypotheses, testing them through experiments, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Science also involves critical thinking, questioning, and the use of logical reasoning to explore and investigate various phenomena. It is not limited to concrete things like gravity and chemicals, but encompasses a wide range of disciplines and subjects, seeking to uncover the underlying principles and laws that govern the universe.

The given correct answer states that none of the statements are incorrect, meaning that all of the statements are correct. This implies that both statements about the archaeologist's role and the end result of archaeological research are accurate. The archaeologist is indeed responsible for finding and cataloging material objects, and the ultimate goal of archaeological research is to interpret artifacts and contribute to the reconstruction of past human civilizations.

Archaeology destroys data as it is gathered; once a site is excavated it cannot be re-excavated. This means that once an archaeologist removes artifacts or disturbs the layers of soil, the original context and arrangement of the objects are lost forever. Therefore, taking abundant, accurate, and detailed field notes is crucial as it allows archaeologists to document and record the information about the site, including the location, stratigraphy, and relationships between artifacts. These notes become the primary source of information for future analysis, interpretation, and reconstruction of the excavation.

Archaeological dating techniques place artifacts and sites in general chronological order, though the exact date can often be unknown. This means that these techniques provide a relative timeline of events and objects rather than an exact calendar date. Archaeologists use various methods such as stratigraphy, typology, and seriation to determine the relative age of artifacts and sites. By analyzing the layers of soil and the types of artifacts found within them, archaeologists can establish a sequence of events and understand the relative chronology of a site.

The given answer is that anthropologists disagree about when the population migrations actually took place. This means that while they may agree on where Native Americans originated, there is disagreement regarding the timing of their migration. This could refer to the specific time period or era in which the migration occurred, as well as the duration or length of time it took for the population to migrate. The question implies that there is consensus on other aspects such as the origin location, the type of populations (hunter-gatherers or farmers), the subspecies of Homo sapiens, and the types of boats or canoes used.

The correct answer is "subsistence pattern". This refers to the methods and strategies a society uses to obtain food resources for survival. It encompasses the way people hunt, gather, fish, farm, or engage in other activities to meet their dietary needs. The subsistence pattern of a society can vary depending on factors such as geography, climate, technology, and cultural practices. This term is more comprehensive and specific to food acquisition than the other options provided.

Historical archaeologists in America focus on studying the immigrants who arrived in the last 500 years. This means they are interested in understanding the material culture and artifacts left behind by these immigrant populations, as well as the impact they had on American society. By studying their belongings, settlements, and other archaeological evidence, historical archaeologists can gain insights into the experiences and contributions of these immigrant groups to American history.

Archaeologists and anthropologists usually restrict their search to sites. Sites refer to specific locations where evidence of past human activity can be found, such as ancient settlements, burial grounds, or ceremonial areas. By focusing on sites, researchers can gather artifacts, study hearths (fireplaces or cooking areas), and examine other features that provide valuable insights into the lives and cultures of past societies.

Context refers to the relationship between and among artifacts and other materials. It involves understanding the objects in relation to their surroundings, such as the site they were found in, the cultural and historical context, and the relationships between different artifacts. By analyzing the context, archaeologists can gain insights into the function, meaning, and significance of the artifacts, as well as the broader cultural and historical context in which they were created and used.

Ethnographic analogy refers to the interpretation of archaeological data based on observing similar artifacts in use among living cultures. This method assumes that the behaviors and practices observed in present-day cultures can provide insights into the behaviors and practices of past cultures. By comparing and drawing analogies between the two, archaeologists can gain a better understanding of the past. Ethnographic analogy helps bridge the gap between the present and the past, allowing researchers to make educated interpretations about ancient cultures based on their observations of contemporary ones.