The goal of this study is to develop a general theoretical perspective for the archaeological study of intersocietal interaction among hunter-gatherers. Several theoretical frameworks have been offered for the study of interaction, including acculturation, ecological interdependency, peer polity interaction, world-system theory, and a number of more particularist approaches. Although all offer valuable insights, only world-system theory has the potential for application to all types and scales of intersocietal interaction, past and present. The perspective developed here represents an experimental modification of the world-system perspective, with the addition of aspects of previous hunter-gatherer studies, most of which are strongly influenced by cultural ecology. / This theoretical perspective is used to develop a model of change in hunter-gatherer world-systems. Particularly important factors in this model are the density and spatio-temporal distribution of subsistence resources, and the availability of "preciosities" (exchanged objects of high value). These factors are hypothesized to affect hunter-gatherer world-systems in terms of three variables: (1) "breadth", the number of interacting regional groups; (2) "depth", the relative importance of the interaction to each regional group; and (3) "internal differentiation", the degree of variability among regional groups within the interacting system. Finally, the model is tested on the archaeological and ethnographic records of the Inuit inhabitants of Herschel Island, northern Yukon Territory, and adjacent regions during the "contact period" of the past 500 years. The test predictions are largely supported by the data, which indicate that the increasing availability of preciosities and the changing distribution of subsistence resources during the contact period caused the indigenous world-system to increase in depth and breadth, and to begin to change in pattern of internal differentiation.

Wayfinding is the process of determining and following a route. Survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI) may evince impaired wayfinding skills. Mobile technology offers a promising avenue for wayfinding support, but software is seldom designed for users with cognitive impairments. This research was intended to inform the design of mobile wayfinding software for survivors of ABI. Two qualitative studies were conducted to investigate wayfinding by survivors of ABI, and solicit views on a prospective mobile wayfinding aide. Data were used to generate a substantive theory of wayfinding in ABI. Participants were generally enthused by the prospect of a mobile wayfinding aide. They felt that it would be useful and bolster confidence, leading to improved community access. In conjunction with the theory and its implications, their remarks on usage and design indicate that mobile wayfinding software should: provide a simple interface; be context aware; afford an interactive user experience; integrate with calendar software; deliver [audio] notifications; and emphasize landmarks while affording map access. / Graduate

In recent years, heated debates about the definition and evolutionary role of simple, egalitarian hunter-gatherer societies have assumed a central place in hunter-gatherer studies. Since household dynamics are bound to be fundamental in arguments about these issues, the present study examines social change in terms of household integration in Air Bah, a resettlement village of newly sedentary Lanoh hunter-gatherers and forest collectors of Peninsular Malaysia. The Lanoh have accepted inequality more readily than cooperation and binding relationships. Household integration has remained partial because, even in households of self-aggrandizers, younger men retain their individual autonomy. This incomplete household integration, in turn, continues to affect kinship group and village integration, preventing Air Bah from developing into a centralized "village community." These findings suggest substantial revisions in our understanding of the sociality and evolutionary significance of the "simplest" hunter-gatherer societies.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Anthropology, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on June 19, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 481-508). Also issued in print.

Thesis (M.A. (Journalism & Media Studies))--Rhodes University, 2004. / A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2002. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 228-237). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2002. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 228-237). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 60-67).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 295-306). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 295-306). Also available on the Internet.