Spatial Sampling in Archaeology

What is it about?

This chapter reviews the theory and methods archaeologists use to sample regions and sites, whether with geometrical grid arrangements or more natural spaces, and some of the issues that archaeologists need to consider in designing, planning, executing and evaluating various kinds of samples, including sample size and sample quality. It ends with some case studies to illustrate different aspects of practice, such as stratified random sampling and sampling urban sites.

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Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash

Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash

Why is it important?

While not all archaeology requires formal sampling methods, the fact that archaeologists almost always only survey or excavate small portions of landscapes and archaeological sites means that they are doing some kind of sampling almost all the time. Formal sampling helps assure us that what we include in our sample is reasonably representative of the broader phenomena that are usually of interest. Thinking about sampling issues also makes us aware of the kinds of biases that may affect our samples.