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Understanding Observer Variation When Recording Stone Artifacts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Denis Gnaden  and
Simon Holdaway
Denis Gnaden
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
Simon Holdaway
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92109, Auckland 1, New Zealand
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Abstract

Variation in artifact recording introduced through the use of multiple observers is common in many archaeological projects. We report a study designed to assess random and systematic errors in nominal and ratio data recorded by observers on stone artifacts as part of a distributional study. A random sample of artifacts was selected and double analyzed, once by the regular observers and once by the project director. Random and systematic differences between the two sets of observations are assessed statistically. Analysis of these errors either permits corrections to be applied or indicates where care must be taken in analyzing artifact variation as a reflection of past human behavior.

Resumen

Resumen

En muchos proyectos arqueólogicos es común detectar variación en la anotación de artefactos a causa de la participación de múltiples observadores. Presentamos un estudio diseñado para evaluar errores aleatorios y sistemáticos en datos nominales y de proporción causados por la anotación de artefactos por varios observadores. Una muestra aleatoria de artefactos de piedra son selecionados y doblemente analizados. Una vez por observadores regulares y otra por el director del proyecto. Diferencias de carácter aleatorio y sistemáticos entre las dos muestras de observaciones son estadisticamente evaluadas. El análisis de estos errores permite la aplicación de correcciones á indica cuando se debe tener cuidado durante el análisis de artefactos que reflejan el comportamiento humano del pasado.

Type
Reports
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 65 , Issue 4 , October 2000 , pp. 739 - 747
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2000

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