Definition: In archaeology, the scientific method generally means one of two things. Either you are using scientific logic and reasoning to make sense of your archaeological site and studies (including hypothesis testing), or you are using information and techniques from the natural (chemistry, physics, geology) or biological (biology, botany, zoology) science fields. Or, of course, both, which is best.
This definition, by the way, comes by way of Douglas J. Kennett's excellent essay on the scientific method in my personal bible, Brian Fagan's Oxford Companion to Archaeology.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This definition, by the way, comes by way of Douglas J. Kennett's excellent essay on the scientific method in my personal bible, Brian Fagan's Oxford Companion to Archaeology.
Source
Douglas J. Kennett. Scientific method. Pp. 629-631 in Brian Fagan (ed). 1996. The Oxford Companion to Archaeology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
