Archaeology from the Ploughsoil - Studies in the Collection and Interpretation of Field Survey Data - Colin Haselgrove
3. Sample Bias, Regional Analysis and Fieldwalking in British Archaeology
Archaeology from the Ploughsoil - Studies in the Collection and Interpretation of Field Survey Data - Colin Haselgrove
Nigel Mills
Department of Archaeology and Prehistory University of Sheffield
Description
The primary objectives of this paper are to examine the limitations of our present knowledge of the distribution of all types of archaeological evidence. It suggests that our knowledge can be improved by a sequence of new studies of different regions which pay particular attention to local variations in distribution patterns. The paper finally analyses the limitations of present British data in relation to differences both in preservation and in methods of data collection and recording. These problems are discussed in relation to early agricultural communities and a series of suggestions are made about how information can be improved.