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Overview

The aim of the module is to provide you some of the basic skills necessary to deal with, and present, data in a subject that can create large data sets at great expense.

This module provides an introduction to the aims and methods of research in archaeology and other data-based disciplines, including research design, basic statistical analysis and the presentation of results. It will give practical training in the selection, analysis and presentation of data, and practical experience of the critical appraisal of research proposals, analyses and presentations. The module is also designed to cater for students of BA Archaeology and Anthropology in developing individual research methods and strategies.

Teaching methods

The module is taught via:

• Ten lecture-room based sessions which will combine lectures, hot-questions, question and answer sessions and so forth

• Nine practical sessions some of which are working through examples, some of which are starting to work on your own projects

Aims of the module

• To introduce students to the aims and methods of research in a data-based discipline;

• To give students practical training in the selection, analysis and presentation of data;

• To give students experience of critically appraising research proposals, analyses and presentations.

Objectives of the module

On successful completion of this module a student should:

• have an overview of the Research Cycle and its place in archaeological research;

• understand the basic principles of statistical sampling and some simple techniques;

• be able to design a simple sampling strategy;

• be able to undertake a simple statistical analysis, making appropriate choices of technique, and knowing when to seek assistance;

• recognise good practice in the statistical analysis of archaeological data;

• be able to present data in tabular and graphical format, and to critique such presentations;

• understand the processes of planning and managing an analytical project.

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