A cross-cultural method for predicting nonmaterial traits in archeology

Behavior Science Notes • Vol/Iss. 5 • Published In • Pages: 195-212 •
By McNett, Charles W., Jr.

Abstract

"This paper presents an exploratory attempt to solve the problem of how to infer traits for which no direct material evidence remains." The author suggests that the archeologically defined community pattern can predict several sociocultural traits. Results support this hypothesis.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherCombination

Hypotheses (2)

HypothesisSupported
"Community pattern (archaeologically defined) . . . can help predict [these] sociocultural traits: communal or private real estate, shared or hoarded goods, property at death destroyed or inherited, craftsmen, extent of trade, taxes, coercive power, kin-based community or larger, law, political hierarchy, army, religion or magic, ethical supernatural, complex supernatural, spirits or gods, shamans or priests, religious hierarchy, individual or common ritual, group ceremony frequency, simple or elaborate funerals" (197-200)Supported
"Community pattern [archeologically defined] . . . can help predict [these] sociocultural traits: simple vs. elaborate religious paraphernalia, temples, and social classes"Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Megan Farrer