Title: Critically reading the theory and methods of archaeology : an introductory guide /
Authors: Gibbon, Guy E., 1939-
Year: 2014
Subjects: Archaeology Study and teaching.; Archaeology Methodology; Critical thinking Study and teaching; Report writing; Archaeology Methodology; Archaeology Study and teaching; Critical thinking Study and teaching; Report writing
Abstract: Critically Reading the Theory and Methods of Archaeology stands out as the most thorough and practical guide to the essential critical reading and writing skills that all students, instructors, and practitioners should have. It provides priceless insight for the here and now of the Theory and Methods of Archaeology classes and for a lifetime of reading, learning, teaching, and writing. Chapters focus on rigorous reasoning skills, types of argument, the main research orientations in archaeology, the basic procedural framework that underlies all schools of archaeology, and issues in archaeology raised by skeptical postmodernists.
Contents: What kind of archaeology is it? -- What kind of investigation is it? -- What are the issue and the claim? -- What is the argument? -- What are the assumptions? -- Is the writing clear? -- Are (deceptive) rhetorical devices used? -- Is there a fallacy in the reasoning? -- Are there skeptical postmodern themes in the argument? -- Are facts clearly distinguished from opinions and other claims? -- How are the observations summarized? -- Is there an inductive argument? -- Is there a population estimate from a sample? -- Is there a theory in my reading? -- Which research program is my reading an example of? -- Is an explanation offered? -- Is there a causal argument? -- Are deductively valid conclusions drawn? -- Are concepts given archaeological interpretations? -- Are the conclusions reasonable?