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Pursuing ‘the Pressure of the Past’: British Prehistoric Research, 1980–2010

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 March 2013

Anwen Cooper
Anwen Cooper*
Affiliation:
Oxford University, Institute of Archaeology, 36 Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PG
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Abstract

This article presents a detailed analysis of developments in British prehistoric research practices from 1980–2010, traversing the period during which Planning Policy Guidance Note 16 (PPG16) was introduced and changed substantially the way that archaeology was carried out. Using evidence from Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society (PPS) itself together with key fieldwork records collated over the duration of this period, a consideration is made of changes in the character of prehistoric investigations, in the evidence base available to researchers, and in the methodologies drawn upon and interpretations put forward in significant outputs of British prehistoric research. Several major shifts in research practices are highlighted. The findings augment considerably broad claims which have been made about the changing character of British prehistoric research practices and reveal some perhaps surprising traits of the investigative process. PPS's own role within this broader research milieu is also assessed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society , Volume 78 , 2012 , pp. 315 - 339
Copyright
Copyright © The Prehistoric Society 2012

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References

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