The concept of similarity has occupied a key position in the interpretation of archaeological evidence since Thomson�s Three Age System was formulated (Thomsen, 1836). Indeed, the writing of prehistory demands the use of this concept in relating evidence from stratigraphically distant horizons. Taylor, however, not only argued that too much emphasis could be placed on this comparative approach, but also claimed that it could be detrimental to the full recovery of archaeological information (W.W. Taylor, 1948). A similar dissatisfaction in Britain prompted Clark (1964, 1966, 1967) to adopt a �conjunctive approach� (W.W. Taylor, 1948:7) exemplified in their work as economic prehistorians. This reappraisal however, has increased rather than diminished the need for procedured designed to relate assemblages in cultural terms. While the development of methods of analysis which assess the similarity between comparable items of different assemblages proceeds, it is stressed that sound theoretical principles, whereby the results of such analyses may be interpreted in the most plausible manner, must be adopted. Indeed it is urged that the common assumption that the degree of cultural similarity is directly proportional to the formal similarity, is by no means universally valid. Considerable advances have recently been made in developing techniques to identify formal relationships by establishing the degree of �proximity� between different assemblages of information. The ancillary problem of interpreting results in cultural terms has received relatively less attention. This dissertation considers the application of methods of �proximity� analysis to specific New Zealand assemblages, together with a discussion of the problems encountered in interpretation. The general implications of this research for prehistoric studies will also be considered--Introduction.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI/Dissertation Abstracts International.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 638-672). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

The concept of similarity has occupied a key position in the interpretation of archaeological evidence since Thomson�s Three Age System was formulated (Thomsen, 1836). Indeed, the writing of prehistory demands the use of this concept in relating evidence from stratigraphically distant horizons. Taylor, however, not only argued that too much emphasis could be placed on this comparative approach, but also claimed that it could be detrimental to the full recovery of archaeological information (W.W. Taylor, 1948). A similar dissatisfaction in Britain prompted Clark (1964, 1966, 1967) to adopt a �conjunctive approach� (W.W. Taylor, 1948:7) exemplified in their work as economic prehistorians. This reappraisal however, has increased rather than diminished the need for procedured designed to relate assemblages in cultural terms. While the development of methods of analysis which assess the similarity between comparable items of different assemblages proceeds, it is stressed that sound theoretical principles, whereby the results of such analyses may be interpreted in the most plausible manner, must be adopted. Indeed it is urged that the common assumption that the degree of cultural similarity is directly proportional to the formal similarity, is by no means universally valid. Considerable advances have recently been made in developing techniques to identify formal relationships by establishing the degree of �proximity� between different assemblages of information. The ancillary problem of interpreting results in cultural terms has received relatively less attention. This dissertation considers the application of methods of �proximity� analysis to specific New Zealand assemblages, together with a discussion of the problems encountered in interpretation. The general implications of this research for prehistoric studies will also be considered--Introduction.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Anthropology, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 132-141).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2005. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-174).

Thesis (M.A. in anthropology)--Washington State University, May 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 110-119).

A research report submitted to the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, October 2018 / The study compares the satellite site Selonskraal South with Molokwane, the main site located less than two kilometres to its north. The comparison focuses on spatial layout and distribution using a Remote Sensing method of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR DEM). The comparison also incorporates the material culture which was obtained through archaeological excavations of a midden at the summit of the hill. The excavated pottery was analysed through multi-dimensional analyses and X-Ray Fluorescence while the faunal material was analysed through the taxonomic method. Dates from excavated charcoal suggest an early 17th century occupation. These preliminary studies at the site revealed that Selonskraal South is predominantly spatially similar to Molokwane as suggested by the organisation of settlement/ cluster units as well as the excavated material culture. However, Selonskraal South has some unique architecture in the form of rectilinear structures located at the summit and the foot of the hill to the east. / XL2019

No description available.

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2003. / Advisor: Dr. Michael K. Faught, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Anthropology. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Apr. 6, 2004). Includes bibliographical references.